TAVISTOCK has been chosen as a base for a pioneering pilot project — one which could influence government policy on education in years to come.

The Challenge Project, to be run from the town's Alexander Centre in Plymouth Road, is the only one of its kind in the county. If successful it could be used as an example for similar pilots throughout the country next year.

The Challenge involves taking young people, due to leave school, on a residential activity holiday. The hope is that they will take up the educational opportunities available from the Alexander Centre as a result of their experiences on the Challenge.

Brian Smith, Devon's advisor for outdoor education, said: 'Potentially this project could be very important, both nationally and for the young people themselves.

'During the year 2000 there are a limited number of pilots throughout the country. The purpose of the project is to say "OK, this is how we've done here in Tavistock" and this could perhaps set the standard elsewhere.'

The £7,000 pilot is being funded by the Department for Education and Employment as a result of a speech made by Education Secretary David Blunkett in the north of England some months ago.

If they prove successful, the holidays could eventually become a normal part of the curriculum for some students at the end of their school life.

John Collacott, community education tutor, 'jumped at the opportunity' of being involved in the pilot.

He said: 'I was absolutely overjoyed to be considered and absolutely delighted that we were chosen to do the project — it's very exciting news for Tavistock.

'We work very closely with lots of different agencies and it shows that partnership does work.

Mr Collacott said the funding would allow 14 young people to take part in the pilot.

'We are working on the programme at the moment — it's free of charge and all expenses paid — all they will require is pocket money. All the equipment, transport, their food and training is being funded out of this grant.'

The holiday will be held at Pixie's Halt on Dartmoor, between July 24 and August 6. Places will be limited to 16 and 17-year-olds from Tavistock College.

Activities on the Challenge will include raft building, climbing, abseiling, photography and video-making, first aid, an over-night camp, caving, orienteering and health education. The youngsters will also undertake work with Dartmoor National Park conservation group.

During the second half of the holiday the youngsters will become involved in the timetables themselves.

'It's fantastic for local young people to be a part of this,' said Mr Collacott.

Several organisations are involved in the pilot Challenge including Tavistock Outdoor Education Forum, Tavistock College, Dartmoor National Park Authority and Devon Curriculum Services.

John Simes, principal at Tavistock College, said: 'This is one of several new and innovative projects in outdoor and community education — the idea is to ensure that young people remain connected to learning.

'I think it's a very important project — it's a real feather in the cap for John Collacott and the community education team.'

Mr Simes said the Challenge builds on work the college is already doing with this age group and would prove an important tool in working towards a more inclusive society.

l A meeting for parents and students will be held at the Alexander Centre at 7.30pm on Tuesday to explain the project further.

More details are available from John Collacott on 01822 613522.