Youngsters at the Aberdyfi centre show off their donated socks. Photo: Gary Short

Young people at an Outward Bound Trust centre will be able to step out in comfort thanks to a donation by sock brand Bridgedale.

The Northern Ireland-based company has given 500 pairs of technical socks to be used by youngsters attending the trust’s Aberdovey outdoor education centre.

Al Crisp, head of The Outward Bound Trust’s Aberdovey centre, said: “The young participants on our courses come from a wide range of backgrounds but are all here to gain confidence, team-work and other valuable skills for the future through experiential outdoor learning in magnificent natural surroundings.

“We thank Bridgedale for its sock donation and are sure the young recipients appreciate the value of this good quality, technical outdoor kit.”

A young Outward Bound visitor tries on the Bridgedale socks. Photo: Gary Short

The outdoor educational charity has been working with schools, colleges and youth groups in the UK for more than 75 years to provide skills-development courses through learning and adventure in areas of outstanding natural beauty.

Carolyn Dunn, sales and marketing manager at Bridgedale, said: “The Outward Bound Trust shares Bridgedale’s passion for the outdoors and we hope a good quality pair of socks will encourage the young people to keep loving the outdoors and to use the skills they learn after their courses are over.”

Outward Bound runs six centres, including the one at Aberdyfi in north Wales.

Bridgedale Outdoor is based in Newtownards near Belfast, and has more than 100 years’ knitting experience, manufacturing technical outdoor socks, hats and gloves for walking, hiking, mountaineering, trail running, skiing and leisure.