Pupils thanked a Rotary Club that helped send them on a trip to become carers for a week.

Six sixth formers from The Emmbrook School were sent to an outdoor centre in Wales where they acted as full-time carers for pupils from Addington School, which caters for children with learning needs.

They joined pupils from Charters School in Ascot and Maiden Erlegh School in Reading at the centre in Tirabad, Wales, which is owned by the three schools.

The New Futures scheme is made possible through fundraising efforts, and Easthampstead Rotary Club presented a cheque to the students this month towards the fund.

Drama and media teacher Sam Martin said: “Pupils always come away saying they’ve had a great week. They see what it’s like for someone less fortunate than them and get a good insight into people’s lives that they would never otherwise come across.

“They realise how much hard work it can be to look after someone else. It’s a fantastic chance to work together as a team and make new friends.”

This year the pupils went canoeing, caving and gulley scrambling, which includes walking and climbing on rocky terrain.

“Each year we take a mixture of students and there’s normally someone who is quite reserved at the start,” Mrs Martin said.

“By the end I can see quite a difference in them and that was especially true after this year’s trip in March as I’ve seen they are now much more generous with their time.

“It’s difficult year on year to raise the money and we are so thankful for the Rotary Club’s support.”

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