STUDENTS swapped the streets of Leyton for the blustery heights of the countryside when they took part in an expeditionary challenge.

A total of 27 teenagers from Leyton Sixth Form College (LSC) spent several days navigating and camping in wild landscapes as part of the Duke of Edinburgh award scheme.

In the Peak District, 21 students braved soaking wet conditions to receive a “silver” award, while a further six achieved the coveted “gold” status after tackling the unforgiving terrain of the Black Mountains in Wales.

The college has been running the award scheme with its students for the past seven years, achieving a 100 per cent pass rate at gold level and 98 per cent at silver.

Tracey Rogers, the college's activities co-ordinator, said: “Once again Leyton Sixth Form students have shown their true grit.

"The silver group had to cope with 24 hours of solid rain and very challenging hill walking.”

Vice Principal Chris Price added: “These students are a real credit to our college. They study hard and have shown that LSC students are always up for greater challenges.”