SENIOR students at a Chorleywood secondary school will leave British soil behind next month when they embark on a four week expedition to Ecuador.

The group of 13 sixth formers of St Clement Danes School in Chenies Road, Chorleywood have spent more than a year planning and preparing for the expedition.

They will be accompanied by teacher Miss Erica Howard and a specialist leader appointed by national expedition organisers, World Challenge Expeditions.

The expedition, for which each pupils was required to raise £3,000 to take part, will involve participating in a number of set tasks and excursions during which they will each take it in turn to lead the group.

The aim of the four-week trek for which all group members have been involved in plotting the itinerary, is designed to immerse students in the culture of Ecuador.

It also aims to help pupils develop skills areas such as communication, team work and leadership.

The group will begin their journey in Quito, where they will prepare for their first trek to the crater of the volcano Quilatoa.

From here the students will undertake the challenge of ascending Pasochoa, an ancient 4,200 metre volcano.

Other scheduled activities include trekking in the Cloud Forest around Golondrinas, and exploring the rain forest, during which time they will stay in local villages helping members of the community with local conservation projects.

After the physical challenge of the trek and community schemes, the pupils will be rewarded with the chance to take advantage of their surroundings and participate in a session of white water Rafting in Tena.

Parents, friends and family of the group are invited to say a final farewell during a special Expedition Build-up Day, held at the school on Saturday, July 13.

Those wishing to attend the event or sponsor the group prior to the expedition can do so by telephoning Mrs Howard on 01923 284169.