Members of Tees Active Sports Academy have definitely proved they have a head for heights when they completed the high ropes adventure course at Aerial Extreme near Bedale.

10 members of the Academy whose ages varied between 12 and 18 and who are more familiar with excelling in a rowing boat, swimming pool, badminton court or an athletics track, were definitely taken out of their comfort zone when they tackled their aerial challenge.

These young athletes when they had to overcome to various high level obstacles in the trees which included using a zip line to land in a cargo net, climbing a 14m climbing wall and to finish they had to hold their nerve as they took the 'leap of faith' off a platform 14m high.

Allan McDermott Tees Active Sports Academy Manager said: "Most of the Academy members have just competed in national championships in their respective sports and are just about to recommence their hard training programmes throughout the winter period.

"This type of activity is an ideal way for the athletes to relax and meet other athletes from different sports in a challenging but fun environment."

Allan added: "The feedback I have received has been very positive and amongst a variety of workshops to be made available to the Academy members, a trip on rafts down the newly refurbished white water course at Tees Barrage in the new year is sure to be popular."