Oxfordshire's cash-strapped Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is being stifled by health and safety restrictions, a leading organiser has warned.

Expeditions officer Dick Brown, of Wantage, believes the key risk element is being removed from expeditions following deaths in adventure schemes elsewhere.

He has revealed the problems in a new book, To Shake Hands With The Duke Of Edinburgh. "I am concerned that the pendulum has swung too far and that we are in danger of throwing out the challenge aspect of the award with the health and safety bathwater," he said.

Mr Brown, 72, said the award was vital to steer people away from problems such as drug-related crime and school absenteeism.

The award is a personal development programme for people aged 14 to 24. Participants are assessed in four areas: hobbies, sport, community service and adventure training. Recent expeditions promoting self-reliance have tackled the tough terrain of Wales, Scotland, Devon and Switzerland.

Besides extra health and safety red-tape and fears of litigation, the scheme desperately needs cash after Oxfordshire County Council cut its £30,000-a-year grant in 1998.

A number of experienced expedition leaders have quit, refusing to take rigorous new mountaineering courses they consider unnecessary for supervising moorland treks. There is also a shortage of teachers willing to train as leaders.

The county council funds four of its own outdoor pursuits centres.

Executive member Cllr Neil Fawcett said funding could be reviewed and lamented the impact of safety restrictions.

"The balance has gone too far, although I understand why," he said.