COLLEGE students are rising to a challenge of a lifetime by climbing 10,000ft in the French Pyrenees.

An intrepid group from Bishop Auckland College have spend the past year on a Network Challenge course designed to give them new skills and achieve their potential.

Throughout that time they have been organising a series of events, including a duck race, bag pack and raffles, to raise more than £800 for a week-long expedition.

Their main aim during a busy programme will be a two-day climb of the 10,000ft Pic Carl, where they hope to bivouac overnight at the summit.

Pauline Snowball, Network Challenge co-ordinator, who is going with the group, said: "They have all worked very hard to raise the funds for this trip, and I am sure they will overcome any difficulties we may experience.

Another course starts in September. For details contact Pauline on (01388) 443005