OUTDOOR residential camps that can accommodate 270 children are just one of the new plans for a growing Isle of Wight business.

Adventure Activities UK has announced growth plans and relocation to a new 16-acre site at Stoats Farm in Totland.

The business, which provides land and water based activities, will operate from three sites on the Island — at Stoats Farm, Freshwater Bay and Whitecliff Bay in conjunction with Away Resorts.

The move to the new centre will enable a dedicated field for additional archery and axe throwing ranges, a bushcraft area and an extended natural mountainboarding slope to complement the climbing wall and arrow tag field.

Stoats Farm has an established public camping business and this will be a new addition for 2019, to offer adventure holidays for those looking to combine camping, activities and adventure.

Other offers developed for the new season include Accessible Adventures for families, groups and individuals who may have mobility or accessibility needs but still have a spirit of adventure and want to be fully included in activities such as megaSUP or climbing, and Alternative Adventures for those with Special Educational Needs, and home educated children.

Additionally, Adventure Activities is adding two new Hampshire sites to its activity portfolio this summer through its partnership with Away Resorts — delivering water-based activities including paddleboarding, megaSUP and kayaking at Sandy Balls holiday village in the New Forest and Mill Rythe on Hayling Island.

There has been an increase in staff numbers and a strong focus on Island employment opportunities. The company has been working with further education colleges including Medina College, Ryde Academy and the Isle of Wight College to raise awareness of the training and qualifications available to young people interested in a career in the outdoor industry.

They are also working in partnership with Isle of Wight organisations such as Freshwater Independent Lifeboat, Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, West Wight Sports and Community Centre, Tapnell Farm, Education Destination, Isle Access, Island Riding School and VisitWight to promote the Isle of Wight as a destination of choice for business, tourism and education and National Citizen Service groups.

Owen Burson, chief executive of Adventure Activities UK, said: "The Isle of Wight is the heartland of our business and our passion has always been on the development of young people.

"It is this that has driven our growth plans so we can now accommodate 270 young people on our outdoor residential camps. It is then that we connect future generations with the environment, encourage them to develop new skills and take on challenges that build confidence, resilience and ambition to achieve more through improving life and employment opportunities.

"Yes, we deliver great adventure activities but more than that, the experiences our guests and visitors have with us create memories that last a lifetime — that's our business model."