YOUNGSTERS at schools nationwide have no excuse to get lost because of poor map reading skills, thanks to Ordnance Survey in Southampton.

The country's biggest map producer is giving away free OS Explorer maps to every 11-year-old.

In Southampton, Bitterne Park and Redbridge Community Schools have already placed their orders.

Nationally more than 750,000 pupils are expected to benefit from the £5m map give-away, now in its third year.

Schools can either order maps covering their local area or places where pupils and staff intend to visit on field trips.

Pupils will be encouraged to use them in class for geography, history, environmental studies, citizenship and other lessons.

The mapping agency's education manager Elaine Owen said: "The educational benefit has been overwhelming.

"A lot of schools are making good and innovative use of the maps and pupils have gained real confidence in map reading, which will serve them well throughout their lives."

All schools that enter will have a chance to win a visit and talk by polar explorer Andrew Cooney, who at 23 was the youngest person ever to walk to the South Pole.

The closing date for map orders is October 8 and all requests should be delivered before the start of the spring term.

Pupils will also receive a copy of the new countryside code and a map reading skills leaflet.

Log onto www.ordnancesurvey. co.uk/freemapsfor11yearolds