TEN young adventure seekers are back behind their desks at a North-East school, reflecting on their experience-of-a-lifetime.

A party of sixth formers at Durham School, backed by teacher Andy Wallace and his wife Lizzie, spent four weeks of their summer holiday on a World Challenge project in northern India. Nine boys and the only girl pupil, Gemma Kern, all aged 16 and 17, had to raise £2,500 each just to take part in the expedition, which took 18 months to plan. But it all proved worthwhile as they returned with unforgettable memories of the colourful contrasts of the sub-continent.

The World Challenge project phase took them to the remote village of Manali, in Himachal Pradesh province, where they spent a week carrying out essential repairs and helping teach at a school for children of Nepalese migrant road workers.

They then took part in a 12-day trek in the Himalayan foothills and went camel riding in Pushkar, before touring one of the eight wonders of the world, the Taj Mahal.

Mr Wallace said the latter stop proved the high spot of the expedition.

"There were lots of unforgettable experiences for everyone, but I think the Taj Mahal stands out. It was amazing.

Mr Wallace said the partyorganised the food and accommodation to meet a strict budget.

"They were very much in control of things, holding review meetings to look at what went right and what went wrong each day, with the aim of making the next day better," he said.

Parents and fellow pupils can gain a better insight into the Indian adventure at a presentation night at the school, on Monday, October 15, at 7.30pm.

Anyone willing to offer support to the project school in Manali should contact Mr Wallace, c/o Durham School, Quarryheads Lane, Durham.