THE joy of the great outdoors was on offer when children from three primary schools held an overnight camp.

Year three pupils at Oaklands School, in Loughton, Coopersale Hall school, in Epping, and Normanhurst School, in Chingford, were set the task of putting up their own tents, washing and helping with the breakfast.

They were rewarded with a singing session around the campfire along with toasted marshmellows.

In the morning more challenges awaited including an assault course, bridge-crossing exercise, and minefield puzzle all held in the Oaklands school grounds, in Albion Hill.

Oaklands headteacher Pam Simmonds said: “The event was a team bonding exercise to get the class working together and to give them a bit of a challenge. A lot of them hadn't been away from home before. There were a couple of girls who were homesick but they all loved it. All the parents asked if we'd do it again.”