WALKERS from Court Fields School explored some of Somerset’s best countryside as they took part in the annual Rotary Club of Exmoor Youth Challenge.

Teams of four students hiked over a 16-mile route over moors and along river valleys to finish in Dulverton in the allocated time of five hours 40 minutes.

The school entered 32 students with the Court Fields 6 Team finishing sixth in the mixed teams group and Court Fields 8 Team close on their heels in seventh place.

Court Fields head teacher Rachael Bennett said: “Our students did an incredible job completing this very tough challenge, which really does test not only physical fitness but mental attitude as well.

“The atmosphere was fantastic with our staff and parents clapping and shouting as students ran to the finish line. We’re all very proud of their achievement.”

Students prepared for the competition by training on the Blackdown Hills and at Langley Heath.

Rob Alfano, who leads Court Fields Hikers, said: “It was terrific to see the smiles on our students’ faces as they crossed the finishing line.

“Most achieved personal bests and really pushed themselves to complete the course in the time set.”