PARKSIDE School students rose to the challenge of conquering the Yorkshire Three Peaks.

The boys from the Cullingworth school climbed the three Dales mountains with staff members including head of geography Liam Radcliffe and head Andy Taylor.

The expedition grew out of a conversation about how to help male students believe more in their own ability and what they could achieve.

The group set off from Cullingworth in the early hours and completed the circuit of Whernside, Pen-y-Ghent and Ingleborough within 11 hours.

Mr Taylor said: “The students conquered the Three Peaks and now believe they can succeed in anything if they commit and put their mind to it.”

“To say everyone rose to the challenge was an understatement – the students were both physically and mentally exhausted and had reached heights they had not previously knew existed.

“The students' sense of pride in themselves, as well as the staff for the students, was immense.

“Even more pleasing were the comments from experienced groups of walkers who had witnessed the passion, commitment and sheer 'bloody mindedness' of our students along the walk.

“They enthused about how the students were a shining example; how they should be immensely proud of themselves; what an example they set to others, and how this reflected on the school.”