OUTDOOR education centres in the Lake District will return to Wigan Council's control to help improve residents' health and wellbeing.

The day-to-day running of Hinning House and Low Bank Ground will return to the local authority following a decision by cabinet members.

Beloved by thousands of schoolchildren and families who have visited the locations in previous decades, the move means their future will now inspire a new generation.

Leader of Wigan Council, Cllr David Molyneux, said: “We are delighted to secure the future of these sites as we know how much they mean to our residents.

“So many will have fond memories of visits going back a number of decades and now many more memories will be made for years to come.

“We are now looking forward to the future and seeing how they can support our health and wellbeing priorities.”

The council – through its Be Well services – will take over the running of the locations and will now explore options of how they can support priorities of The Deal across a range of services.

The delivery of outdoor education at the centres had previously been provided by charity The Brathay Trust as part of a seven-year contract with the council.

Low Bank Ground, on the shores of Coniston Water, has been owned by Wigan Council since 1983. Hinning House, which is located in the stunning Duddon Valley and is near to England’s highest peak, Scafell Pike, has been a council owned property since the 1970s.

Both offer views of spectacular landscapes with a host of outdoor activities on the doorstep.

It is hoped in addition to offering high-quality outdoor education experiences for young people, the use of the facilities can be expanded to support public health and adult services.

Cllr Molyneux added: “We believe these two locations can continue to benefit families across Wigan Borough and help our residents start well, live well and age well.

“In addition to providing facilities for school age children, these sites could help our work supporting vulnerable groups and those who are the most dependant on public services.”

Schools and other education providers will be contacted directly about packages to use the centres and further details in due course.