OUR hearts go out to the family of Joe Lister. He set out for the adventure of his young lifetime on Monday, but within hours that excitement had turned to horror.

Joe's death in a caving accident is a shocking tragedy. The loss to his family and friends is beyond words. They are left to ask how this could happen on a school trip to a council-owned activity centre.

The many parents whose children are due to visit Bewerley Park will want answers too. A swift and open investigation is vital for restoring their confidence.

These dreadful events will raise parents' fears about the safety of school trips. But it would be a real shame if they withdrew children from such trips as a consequence.

Everyone has vivid memories of being let off the parental leash like this for a few days. That is because the experience offered by places such as Bewerley Park Centre remains with you for a lifetime. It teaches children values of self-reliance and teamwork which cannot be learned in a classroom.

The Government is well aware of the importance of these activities. Less than a fortnight ago it launched an initiative to encourage challenging school trips.

It must be hoped that Monday's tragedy will not prove too great a setback for this campaign.

Denying children the opportunity of these life-enhancing experiences may ensure their short-term safety. But suppressing their sense of adventure and insulating them from risk is not good for their long-term development.

Updated: 11:01 Wednesday, November 16, 2005