Hooked on geocaching

“As part of their personal development programme the Prince’s Trust team here had three weeks in which to identify, plan, fundraise and complete a project that would benefit the local community,” he said.

“After viewing several possibilities they agreed that geocaching was something fresh and innovative which could bring many benefits to individuals and groups in the community.”

The group held an event at the Watersport’s Centre to introduce geocaching to the borough in February. Tony explained how easy it is to set up your own cache: “All you need is a container - tupperware is very good because it’s waterproof and sealable. You hide the cache with a few items in it as well as a log book and an information sheet. The caches are then approved by volunteer reviewers using the online description, co-ordinates, topographical maps, proximity to other geocachers and any other rules.

“I set up one myself and it was registered officially at 6am on the geocaching website and someone found it at 7am. I couldn’t believe it.”

He continued: “The rules are people who find the cache can take something, leave something back, then sign the log book.”

Tony admitted there was no way of stopping people disrupting the outdoor hobby.

“People who disrupt geocaches are known as mugglers,” he said. “There’s nothing you can do about it. It’s meant to be fun, but you always get one or two people who want to spoil it.”

He added: “The main benefits of geocaching are that it’s a family friendly activity that promotes health and fitness. Geocachers are also encouraged to pick up and take away trash. The skill and difficulty level can be varied and many geocaches are disablility friendly.”

Any individual or organisation wanting to find out more about geocaching and how to get started should contact Tony on 0789 459 4777 or visit www.geocaching.com