A GROUP of sixth form students braved the elements to become the school's first pupils to complete their Duke of Edinburgh gold award.

Seven students from Accrington Academy spent four days navigating their way round the Peak District, facing rain and poor visibility as they completed a number of routes including the famous Jacob’s Ladder and Kinder Scout.

The pupils had to display navigational and camp craft skills in completing the trek and achieving the award.

Accrington Academy Principal Andy O’Brien said he was proud of the students for completing the challenge and achieving the award.

He said: “All seven have shown real dedication and determination during their participation in the Duke of Edinburgh, with last week’s final leg particularly gruelling.

"Through teamwork and resilience, they successfully completed the event and their gold status is thoroughly well deserved.”

The youth awards programme was founded in the United Kingdom in 1956 and has three levels of award: bronze, silver and gold.