Tuc-tuc rides, mountain treks and curry for breakfast all helped Egremont sixth form students to experience life in India.

Six pupils from West Lakes Academy took part in an expedition to South India. During the trip - organised by World Challenge - students helped erect a school building and journeyed through the Western Ghats mountain range.

"We became involved with the project to allow our students to be able to experience firsthand how others live around the world and develop their personal opinions," said Siobhain Walter, head of personal development at the academy, who travelled with the group.

"Students got to explore different places, challenge themselves physically and mentally and build up their resilience to change."

World Challenge expeditions for schools involve four different stages; acclimatisation, trekking, project work and rest and relaxation.

The group spent the first few days of its trip in Kerela, where the students explored the streets by tuc-tucs and riverside boats.

After adjusting to their surroundings they trekked along the Western Ghats, through rainforests, mountain climbs and elephant trails.

The trekking phase also involved using ropes to climb the highest part of the mountain, erecting their tents and, on the final night, cooking an Indian menu for the expedition's chefs.

"My favourite aspect of the expedition was trekking through the Western Ghats not only because of the breath taking views and trails, but how everyone in the group supported one another," said Isabel Postlethwaite.

Pupils then helped with building work on a local school - Govt. Tribal UP School, Labbakandam, Kumily - which allowed them to put something back into the community.

On arrival the Egremont students were greeted by all the children and teachers and escorted by a marching band.

Work on the school included helping a local builder to assemble a dinner hall and updating existing classrooms by painting images and resources on the walls.

Alongside the building work, pupils had the chance to play with the Indian students at break time and teach some of their lessons.

The final part of the trip saw the travellers visited the Kerelan backwaters and explore the local villages, canals and beach.

"Despite the lack of showers the whole experience was enjoyable due to having to work together to make the most of what we had in the camps," said Holly Wittridge.

"I particularly loved the evenings, with a curry for tea followed by sitting around the fire playing games together."

The trekkers were Year 13 students Bethany Brown, Isabel Postlethwaite, Maya Jenkinson, Melissa Bewsher and Holly Wittridge and Katie Dunne, who has now finished at the sixth form.