An outdoor activity centre used by thousands of youngsters is at risk of closure as it is earmarked for sale.

Blackland Farm has been a regular destination for schoolchildren and members of Rainbows, Brownies and Guides from all over Sussex since 1938.

The centre, over 120 acres near East Grinstead, offers a safe space away from home for children to make new friends and try out a range of activities such as kayaking, abseiling and tunneling.

But this could all come to a close as the charity which runs it, Girlguiding, announces its plans to sell.

It is among five centres across the country earmarked for sale with Girlguiding citing "reduction in use and an increase in operating costs".

The recommendation was made by the board of trustees at the charity and an inquiry is taking place internally to discuss the viability of the closure.

Staff and members will be consulted on the closure.

Its doors will stay open until December 31.

A spokeswoman for Girlguiding said: "Girlguiding’s trustees regularly review assets and operations and look at how to use our charity resources most effectively so we can continue our core mission for all girls.

"This was a difficult discussion for them but it is always important to be focused on our core mission, vision and purpose."

Information published on the charity's website said the activity centre has been used by less than ten per cent of its membership over the past decade.

The spokeswoman added: "For over 100 years, Girlguiding has been focused on what drives, challenges and excites girls. Adventure is a big part of that and remains a priority for us.

"We will keep giving girls opportunities to experience adventure within their units, near their home, and in other locations and facilities."

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Over £20 million in investment would be required to bring Blackland Farm, and the other centres, up to modern standards which Girlguiding said it cannot afford.

The recommendation made by the trustees is that the five centres would be sold and profits put into  a designated investment funds to support the charity in the future.

A spokesman for the charity added: "The recommendation is not a reflection on the activities and experiences both staff and volunteers have enabled over many years and the trustees want to thank everyone who has been involved with the activity centres. 

"We are open to options related to the sale of these properties."

A 24/7 confidential hotline has been set up for people concerned or worried about the sale of Blackland Farm and more details are available on the charity's website.