A WEST Devon charity is celebrating new links which will boost the opportunities it provides for youngsters.

CHICKS (Country Holidays for Inner City Kids) provides life changing respite breaks to disadvantaged children.

Now, thanks to a new group membership offered to CHICKS by the National Trust at Lydford Gorge, children will be able to explore the beautiful river valley during their stay at the charity's base near Brentor.

Kelly Seberry, CHICKS camp supervisor, said: 'Gaining National Trust membership will provide us with a wealth of resources and opportunities to allow the children to explore the beautiful heritage and scenery of our surrounding countryside.

'A woodland walk or stroll on the beach is often taken for granted but for a child lacking such experiences it can conquer a sense of freedom or adventure; this is evident when we take a group of inner city children to the beach and they run and run and run and run!

'The smiles and laughter say it all. We are excited to have the opportunity and would like to thank the staff at Lydford Gorge for making this possible!'

The children CHICKS help come from a variety of backgrounds including poverty, neglect and abuse.

CHICKS goal is to build the children's confidence, self esteem and work as part of a group. CHICKS create a family atmosphere in an environment where every one is valued and respected. Ultimately they want every child to return home with happy memories knowing that people care.