YOUNG adventurers were put through their paces by a professional trainer to face the challenges of the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Unique Fitness in Bolton has teamed up with Lever Park School in Horwich to help prepare the pupils for the award —which includes a 14-mile trek — as well as promoting the important of health and fitness.

The teenagers took part in a fitness session along with the school's Duke of Edinburgh co-ordinators Karl Eckersley and Peter Swandt, who are also learning mentors.

Dan Hames, interim head of the school, said: "Mark Parkinson, who set up the gym, will also come into school as part of this partnership.

"This is an exciting project which will benefit the young people hugely in areas of health and fitness and engaging them in the local community."

During their session, the pupils took part in circuit training and enjoyed some friendly competition.

Mr Eckersley said: "The school gym is great, but it is the school gym and they are already asking when they can go back.

"This will form part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award but it is also about learning about staying fit and healthy and developing these habits throughout their life."

He added: "We also took part — leading by example!"

The group said they enjoyed the session and looking forward to more.

Daniel Howard, aged 15, said: "It was a great gym, really challenging and the staff were really positive with us. It's a nice set-up."

Reece Ainsworth, aged 14, said:"I really enjoyed it, totally different from the usual gym. It was ace to work as a team to achieve good results."

The partnership with the gym is the latest in the school's work to develop links with local organisations. The school already boasts fishing on the timetable thanks to the support of Croft Fisheries in Adlington.