Carrickfergus mayor Alderman Jim McClurg has launched a permanent orienteering course at Bashfordsland Wood and Oakfield Glen, Northern Ireland, today (16 June).

The course and accompanying map have been funded by Carrickfergus Borough Council in a bid to encourage more people to participate in the outdoor activity. McClurg said: "Orienteering is a fun way to exercise both your leg power and your brain power. It's also been proven that exercising in woodland and other green spaces boosts both your physical health as well as your mental health."

There are around 380 permanent orienteering courses currently on offer across the UK.