STUDENTS from the John of Gaunt School in Trowbridge set off for an African experience of a lifetime on Friday.

The group of 14 pupils, aged between 16 and 18, are taking part in a project organised by World Challenge Expeditions and will be travelling to Namibia.

There they will be helping to paint a mural on a school wall and to create a garden for the community.

Andrew Bolton, 17, said: "We are all excited but a little nervous. It is a bit surreal that it is actually happening now.

"I'm looking forward to seeing different cultures. I've never done anything like this before."

After taking part in this project the youngsters will get the chance to go on safari in the Okovango Delta and to visit Victoria Falls on the border of Zambia and Botswana. They then plan to go white water rafting in the Zambezi before setting off on the second part of their month-long trip.

The next stage involves a trek through the Fish River Canyon in southern Namibia, the largest canyon in Africa.

They will be in charge of organising their own in-country travel and accommodation and buying their own food.

Each will take turns in leading the others in the trek, giving them the chance to learn leadership skills they might be able to make use of in later life.

Becky Romain, 16, said: "It is the opportunity of a lifetime and I think the experience will help in future life.

"I'm hoping to learn a lot about communication skills and team work and especially life skills. It is the opportunity of a lifetime."

Two teachers, Marc Hawker and Jo Turner, will be accompanying the students and for Ms Turner it will be a poignant trip.

The art and PE teacher worked in Botswana before coming to John of Gaunt four years ago and this is her last term at the school.

She said: "This trip will be a fantastic experience for everyone. For me it is as though I have come a full circle. It will be a good experience to leave on."

The students have been planning for the trip and organising events to raise the £2,800 per person costs for the last 18 months.

They have organised year group discos, sponsored fun runs and even washed the teachers' cars.

A leader from World Challenge Expeditions, Guy Jarvis, will also be going on the trip and a 24-hour safety and back-up system will be in place to ensure the highest possible safety standards.