Energetic students ran from Worthing Pier to Brighton’s Palace Pier, carrying a stretcher loaded with two beer kegs.

It took the nine Military Preparation College pupils and two instructors more than three hours to complete the route on Friday.

The stunt raised money for the Royal British Legion as part of the Public Service course.

Lead training instructor Jamie Barrow said: “They performed really well. It was the furthest most of them have ever run before and they had the added stress of carrying the stretcher.

“There was one person on each of the four corners and they kept swapping around.

“There were no complaints of any injuries at all, but they were obviously tired. I think it’s the furthest that some of them have ever run.” The 16 to 18-year-olds set out to raise about £200 but hope to have beaten their target.

The centre in Dyke Road is having an open day on Thursday between 1pm and 3pm for anyone interested in joining the college.

For more information visit www.mpct.co.uk.