A TEAM of tough students from New College in Swindon are preparing to take part in a gruelling expedition across Dartmoor on May 13.

They will be taking part in the Ten Tors challenge a 45-mile walk over Dartmoor, which tests endurance, careful planning, teamwork and navigation.

All the students from New College who are taking part are 17 and are studying on the BTEC Public Services programme, which prepares people for careers in the uniformed public services such as the fire service, armed forces and the ambulance service.

Chris Garrett, from West Swindon, is one of the students taking part.

He said: "The training was very hard at the start and I wasn't sure I could handle it.

"We're all very active and play sport together, but Ten Tors really exposes your own boundaries and takes real determination and teamwork."

Luke Wright, from Cheney Manor, is also making up the group.

He said: "It's a great personal challenge, but also a fantastic team building exercise.

"If we achieve it we'll have done so much more than just walking. It teaches us to manage a team much better.

"We've really bonded as a group and built up close friendships with one another.

"It's also been a really good laugh."

The team have prepared so far by taking part in three organised walks at Ridgeway and Dartmoor

They have also had to undertake a rigorous gym schedule, as each team member must be able to carry around 25 to 35 kilograms worth of equipment.