PUPILS from Bedale High School and Ripon Technology College have returned home muddied but unbowed from an educational trip to the great outdoors.

36 pupils spent part of their holiday week at the Bewerley Park centre near Pateley Bridge.

Challenges included rock climbing at Brimham Rocks, sailing at Farnham, a canoe expedition down the River Ure from Newby Hall to Boroughbridge, an eight-mile walk along Gouthwaite Reservoir and a gorge scramble near How Stean Gorge, as well as orienteering and initiative challenges.

Martyn Coombs, head of PE at Bedale, said: "This was another fine example of collaboration between pupils and staff from both schools. Once again lifelong friendships were made and the pupils worked so well together on all the challenges.

"This is the last of the joint ventures between the two schools and after 30 such visits I have decided to hand over the reins to other staff to continue the outdoor experiences at Bewerley Park. Bedale will be going it alone with a visit to the centre in December."