Youngsters took on Oldham's oldest country park this month as part of a Duke of Edinburgh expedition - and raced to the top to bag some Nando's vouchers.

Year 11 students from E-ACT Oldham Academy North tackled the 48 hectares of Tandle Hill earlier this month with high hopes of receiving the coveted Duke of Edinburgh Award.

The park, which is also a designated site of biological importance for its fungi and bird populations, is home to mature beech trees, mixed woodland and grasslands, boasting views across the Manchester Plain and Pennine Hils.

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The intrepid group of pupils took a break from revising for their upcoming GCSEs and walked up the hill.

There were muddy trainers but "big smiles" for all those involved as the school said they showed "a great attitude towards enhancing their personal development".

Many were spurred on to the top in the knowledge that the first group to make it to the war memorial would also win vouchers to eat at Nando's.

The memorial commemorates the men of Royton who died in the First World War and was unveiled on October 22, 1921, by the Earl of Derby.

The Oldham Times: It was a race to the war memorial with the first group bagging a top prize from the schoolIt was a race to the war memorial with the first group bagging a top prize from the school (Image: E-ACT Oldham Academy North)

The Duke of Edinburgh Award aims to empower young people and support them to learn new skills, overcome obstacles and build confidence and resilience.

The former Duke, Prince Philip, first considered the idea of a national programme to support young people's development in the autumn of 1954 at the request of his inspiring former headmaster, Kurt Hahn.

The expedition continued to evolve over the decades and in 1980, the age limit was extended so any young person between 14 to 24 could participate.

The programme currently contains four sections, volunteering, physical, skills and expedition, plus an additional residential section at gold level.

Its popularity has continued to grow with more than 130 countries and territories now offering Duke of Edinburgh programmes.

Jessica Giraud, headteacher at E-ACT The Oldham Academy North said: “I am so proud of all the Year 11s that took part in the Tandle Hill expedition, they absolutely smashed it!

"It’s great that so many of our young people are taking part in DfE as it undoubtedly will help them build the stamina and character they need to navigate life after school.”

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