STUDENTS at Burnham Grammar swam the distance of Madagascar to Mozambique as part of their fundraising for a school trip.

Eight 16 to 18-year-olds, led by deputy head Dr Andrew Gillespie, left for the Indian Ocean island of Madagascar for the four week adventure on Sunday.

On the island, students will take part in a week long trek through the Ankaratra Massif mountains.

Dr Gillespie said: "After the trek they will be doing some terracing and planting of orange groves to give quite a remote village a cash crop that they can trade in a nearby town."

He added: "The houses we will be staying in are very basic with no running water or electricity.

"I think they will learn quite a lot about themselves and it will raise their horizons."

Dr Gillespie added: "They have to do everything. Arrange transport, accommodation and supplies and all within a budget. They will be far more focused when they come back."

Students at the school spent over a year raising the £2,800 needed to cover the costs of the expedition including a sponsored bounce.