PUPILS at The Grange School in Hartford have taken their PE lessons to a new height.

They climbed the height of Mount Everest to test out their new climbing wall, which has been installed as part of the school’s £6 million sports centre development.

Supported by staff, parents and members of Cheshire Search and Rescue Team, students scaled the climbing wall over 1,300 times to total more than 8848m.

And they raised just over £1,350 for four charities in the process.

One of the students who took part was year 13 pupil and outdoor captain Sam Wakefield.

He said: “It was great to see all abilities and ages climbing on the new wall, from year 7s to upper sixth students.

Northwich Guardian:

“Following the fast-paced start to the event, progress slowed as fingers tired but, after a brief food break, we were all back on the wall.

“I personally really enjoyed the event, and after floating the idea around a year ago, it was great to see it finally happen with such a large turnout.”

Sam continued: “I, along with some of the other sixth formers, enjoyed the challenge of attempting some of the harder routes, some of which we had to leave to tackle another day.

“Overall, it was a really enjoyable day climbing with friends, challenging myself and of course raising lots for charity.”

A school spokesperson added: “The summit was reached by 3pm, which was a great achievement.

“This was a fantastic way to celebrate the new climbing wall, which is used for both curricular and extracurricular sport by students of all ages.”