PUPILS donned their walking boots to raise much-needed funds for their partner school.

The group of Year 9 Harrow Way students tackled a 12.2 mile sponsored walked from Andover to Appleshaw and back in aid of their partner students in Ghana.

The walk began at Harrow Way, where pupils were issued their route cards and maps, before taking on the strenuous task of walking to St Peter’s Primary School, via Penton Mewsey.

And thanks to their efforts, the school raised £3,000 which will go towards programmes to help the pupils in Africa.

Although this year for the inaugural walk only Year 9 pupils carried out the challenge, it has been seen as such a success that it is hoped that it will become an annual tradition and experience for other year groups to enjoy.

Head of Year 9 David Cade said: “This walk was a great success, not only for the personal development of our students, but also the incredible amount of money they managed to raise.

“The Year 9s enjoyed themselves immensely on the walk; many of whom proved to themselves that they are capable, both physically and mentally, to complete such a task. It is safe to say the students were an absolute credit to our school.”

But the walk would not have been made possible without a host of supporters who Mr Cade has thanked.

He added: “Our thanks to the lovely local residents of Penton Mewsey for their support throughout the day and to Mr Ian Hickman, the headteacher at Appleshaw St Peter’s Primary School for offering a lunch stop and access to well needed amenities. We must also thank Jeremy Dunning and Nigel North for supporting this event through the use of their land and barns. And finally our thanks goes to Nick, Aldi manager; Donna Pease, Asda manager and Yvonne, Asda’s community liaison, for providing refreshments; without their generous contributions our students would not have had such a comfortable journey.”