Brave pupils went night-hiking and climbed mountains in the Lake District as project to teach them life skills.

Pupils from Notley Science College, Alec Hunter Academy and Tabor Academy were initially invited to attend the Stubbers Adventure Centre for activity days as part of the Essex Boys and Girls Clubs ‘Respect’ project.

14 young people then learnt team building skills and how to deal with peer pressure, anger and conflict, as well as understanding drug and alcohol issues, during a weekly life-skills course.

After eight sessions, 12 Year Nine pupils were invited to take part in the adventure week at the High Row centre in the Lake District, where they completed a night hike to the top of Mell Fell and learnt mountain skills around Castle Crag.

The youngsters then climbed to the summit of Blencathra and walked through strong winds and rain during a two-day expedition, which saw them cooking their own dinners on trangias and sleeping outdoors in bivvy bags.

Throughout the week they developed their culinary skills, enjoyed a healthy, nutritious diet and also paid a visit to local town Keswick, where they had a social etiquette experience.

They were presented with ASDAN Activity awards and certificates of achievements by councillor Wendy Scattergood, chairman of Braintree Council, at a presentation ceremony on Monday.