TEENAGE pals are looking forward to a real boys own adventure as they scale the "White Mountain" during their summer holidays.

Seventeen-year-olds Aston Haslam and Ethan Watson are planning to climb Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps and the highest peak in Europe outside the Caucasus range.

The Bolton School sixth-formers have planned the expedition themselves.

Ethan said: "We’ve been on trips with school such as winter mountaineering and various climbing trips.

“Now we’re looking for the next challenge. This was the best thing we could think of to do next.”

Aston added: “We can build on this experience and go on to do bigger mountains in future.”

The two year 12 students, from Bury, applied to The Scott Trust — money which is available to Bolton School students and alumni — a grant and have been awarded £500 each.

However, they are also planning sponsored events and a crowdfunding campaign to raise additional funds.

The grant has paid for their flights and accommodation, and they will be in the Alps for a week in early August.

In the days leading up to their ascent of Mont Blanc — which is 4,810 metres high — Aston and Ethan will also climb Gran Paradiso to help them to acclimatise, adding to the challenge they face.

The two will be led by a guide, it was then they encountered their first difficulty.

Ethan said:“When we were looking for guides, we had to send out a lot of letters because a lot of the ones we contacted would only take people who are over eighteen, and we’re both seventeen.

“It’s a big challenge, because we won’t be with anyone other than the guide.

"We won’t be with parents or teachers and we’ll be left to ourselves, so that will be a new experience.”