STUDENTS have completed an expedition in Nepal for their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

The mountain adventure began for three Steyning Grammar School Sixth Form students on October 19 when they set off on a ten-day Nepal expedition.

Explorers Lauren James, Shimal Patel and Alethia Hayden embarked on a once-in-a-lifetime experience, joined by students from Chailey School in East Sussex.

To support this venture the students were involved in fundraising activities, raising awareness through the school and the local community.

The challenging expedition took students over Himalayan terrain that reached altitudes of more than 3,000m and covered some of the most breath-taking mountain scenery around the Annapurna area of Nepal.

The students planned their route as part of the preparation and training for the Duke of Edinburgh Award, utilising established local mountain trails. Local sherpas provided guidance along the route in conjunction with staff from the Walking and Climbing Company and accommodation along the route was a mix of camping and lodges.

Training for the trek took place in the Brecon Beacons.

Lesley Rickman, Duke of Edinburgh co-ordinator, said: “The students were outstanding and it was possibly the most successful event I have been involved with.

“They all worked hard, were keen to learn and worked well together at all times.

“It was a real pleasure being with them and seeing them enthusiastically journey across the Brecon Beacons.”

In recent weeks altitude training has been a priority as the trek will take the students to heights of more than 3,000m.

Mrs Randall, assistant head and director of the Sixth Form College at Steyning Grammar School, said: “This expedition gives a new dimension to our Duke of Edinburgh provision at Gold Level.

“Currently we have a further 20 Year 12 students in their first year of the Gold Programme in the college who have recently completed their initial expedition training in the Peak District.”

Lauren, Shimal and Alethia will share their life-changing experiences with fellow Sixth Form College students through photographic presentations.