Pupils at Ashbrow School learned bushcraft and shelter building at an outdoor survival skills course.

The youngsters took part in a course run by SkillForce with instructor Alex Young.

In a conservation area on the school grounds the children cleared a path for orienteering and created a bush craft camp area where fellow students can develop their outdoor survival skills, such as shelter building.

These activities are part of the SkillForce Junior Prince’s Award programme that is being run in schools across the country.

It equips children and young people with the skills they need to succeed in education, life and future employment.

The award scheme, which receives funding from the Standard Life Charitable Trust, aims to develop character, resilience, confidence, teamwork and problem solving skills as part of its work to help young people build skills and to help them prosper.

Aimed at nine to 14-year-olds, the scheme is delivered by SkillForce in primary and secondary schools during an academic year.

The charity draws on the skills of mainly ex-services personnel to help veterans transition back into civilian life.

The pupils received their lessons from former British Army soldier Alex Young.

Ashbrow School headteacher, Dora Plant, said: “SkillForce’s work with our school helps our children grow and develop as responsible citizens.

“We have been delighted by the way the scheme has boosted their self confidence as well as their teamwork and problem solving skills.

“Pupils thoroughly enjoy the challenges, and the values that they learn now will stand them in good stead for the rest of their lives.”

Ben Slade, chief executive of SkillForce, said: “We work with schools to transform lives enabling children and young people to build character, self confidence and resilience.

“There is growing recognition that schools can play a vital role supporting the development of character traits that will help pupils to get on in education and life, which is where our programmes fit in.”

For more information about SkillForce visit: www.skillforce.org .