SEVEN students from West Somerset College took the high road to achieving their Gold Duke of Edinburgh award.

They walked the length of the Isle of Skye fighting off midges and bad weather to a final checkpoint.

External assessor Phil Sparks praised the group, saying: "This team really rose to the challenge of crossing such a rugged and varied terrain, and were rewarded by the exceptional views. They all seemed to enjoy themselves and I was particularly impressed by their camaraderie.”

The two Year 12 students and five Year 13 students from the College had been planning the expedition since March when they returned from a snowy practice expedition in the Lake District.

The award states that they must undertake an unsupported journey for four days, carrying everything they might need and navigating themselves through their route which should involve at least eight hours of activity each day.