Two Dales outdoor learning centres, run by Bradford Council will soon become a charitable trust.

Buckden House, in Upper Wharfedale, and Ingleborough Hall, in Clapham, are used by schools in the Bradford district for residential stays and day trips.

Earlier this year the council announced an investment of £1 million to upgrade facilities at two centres, along with a third, Nell Bank, at Ilkley, which has since become a trust.

It was part of a bid to attract more visitors as the centres had seen numbers decline in recent years. In 2011/12 occupancy rates were as low as 50 per cent at Buckden House.

And now the council has announced that the two Dales centres will soon follow the model of Nell Bank and become a trust, able to raise their own funds and run themselves. At a meeting next month, councillors will discuss their disposal and the formation of the trust.

Coun Ralph Berry, the executive member for education, said the move would ensure the centres’ future, while reducing council costs.

He said: “This will mean the centres are owned by the schools – they will be able to take charge of their own destiny.

“At a time when funding is increasingly difficult to find, it makes sense for these centres to run themselves. We are safeguarding the future of these centres and not throwing the baby out with the bathwater.

“The centres will know how to run themselves best, and make themselves self-sustainable. It will also create a better platform for them to make bids for other sources of funding.”

The £1 million council funding includes £400,000 for facilities at Ingleborough Hall, £200,000 for Buckden House and £400,000 at Nell Bank.

Also included will be upgraded staff accommodation, individual showers and better ICT facilities.

The hope is that once the centres are improved they will be able to attract more visitors.

Buckden House is a converted Manor House that has been running as an activity centre for more than 30 years. Activities include rock climbing, caving and orienteering.

Ingleborough Hall dates back to the 1840s and offers similar outdoor activities. Both are Grade II listed buildings.

The improvement works are ongoing.