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Seashell students have spent their first night under canvas for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme.

The 18 students between the ages of 14 and 22 were the first at the trust to undertake the bronze award expedition. The trust became a licensed Duke of Edinburgh's Awards centre earlier this year.

Helen Partington, Seashell Trust's Duke of Edinburgh's Awards manager, said: “I am bowled over by the achievement of every pupil and the fantastic team work from all the staff. They were clearly so proud.”

The awards are fully inclusive and have a sliding scale of what is expected to be achieved at bronze, silver and gold levels, dependent on the abilities of the participants.

Helen said: “We had two days of walking on the Middlewood Way, setting off from Nelson's Pit visitors centre. On the first day we walked towards Macclesfield and some of the pupils walked over eight miles. Our pupils that need most support with mobility completed an amazing three miles.”

The group camped overnight on campus before returning to Middlewood Way to complete the expedition.

“It was a great night, lots of fun and a very new experiences for lots of pupils and indeed staff. The second day we walked towards Marple, ending with a picnic and celebratory ice cream.”

Helen added: “Thank you to Cotswold Outdoors and the DofE regional team for the tents and waterproof coats.”