GUIDES from across Dorset leapt at the chance to tackle outdoor adventures.

The girls threw themselves into tasks at the second County Challenge day at Buddens activity centre near Wareham.

They were among 300 thrill seekers from 43 guide units from across the county.

Meriel Dunham, who is county outdoor adviser for Girlguiding, said: “The day has given them great opportunity to try new things, make new friends and gain self confidence.

“It is only the second Challenge Day we have run, designed to provide them with a taste of adventurous activities they wouldn’t normally have ready access to.”

Challenges included jumping off a 30-feet high climbing wall, crawling through a mine system and powering up a lake in a dragon boat.

Sara Williams was joined by team mates from the Bothenhampton group in the outdoor cooking activity area.

They collected various grades of wood, before learning how to create a fire for keeping warm and cooking meals.

They were also taught how to use a stove which relies on the strength of the wind to intensify the heat for cooking above a spirit flame.

They cooked doughnuts as well as pancakes over an open flame.

Beside the lake, groups of girls learnt how to strike the water properly with a paddle before taking to the water in kayaks and canoes.

Other guides assembled rafts, tried out archery and rifle shooting skills on a range. The Challenge Day was designed for girls aged 11 to 14 attending the guide section of Girlguiding Dorset.