ADVENTUROUS pupils from a Bolton academy have been on the trip of a lifetime as they take on the World Challenge Expedition.

Eight students from Essa Academy in Lever Edge Lane flew to Morocco for two weeks.

The children and two members of staff spent a week helping out at a small rural primary school four hours away from Marrakesh.

They are now taking part in a five-day trek through the Atlas Mountains.

Pupils from year eight to year 11 were invited and they raised more than £4,000 to have the opportunity to attend.

Neil Goodall, assistant strand leader, said: “It will boost their self confidence and their leadership, give them more awareness of the wider world and open their minds.

“Seeing a completely different culture will give the students a great appreciation of what they have got here in Bolton.”

Umayr Zahid, the school’s head boy, is among the pupils on the expedition. He said: “I love a challenge. I want to accomplish a lot in life and this is a starting point.”