15956/3GAZETTE & HERALD: BEST friends Naomi Howard-Kyam and Christina Ferreira, have raised almost £3,000 between them for a school expedition to trek the High Atlas mountains in Morocco.

The two 14-year-olds, both in year nine at The Corsham School, had to fund the 16-day trip themselves as part of an initiative to teach them how to arrange finances. The business-minded pupils advertised in local magazines and had offered services such as car washing, dog walking and cake making since last May.

They knocked on neighbours' doors to carry out chores for cash and spent last summer face painting and hair braiding.

Christina, of Fleetwood Close, Neston, who is taking business studies at school, said: "Everyone has been fundraising but not everyone has reached the target yet. We want to say a big thank you to everyone who helped us and donated money."

Naomi, from Pitts Croft Road, Neston said: "It gives you an idea of what it would be like to have a job and to save money.

"We both feel ready for it and are really looking forward to it."

The 30 pupils, who are going on the trek in July, have been split into two groups to complete the challenge at different levels. Christina and Naomi opted for the harder route and the sporty duo have undertaken a tough fitness programme, working out for five to six hours a week to improve their stamina.