Trekking up mountains, going on safari and helping poverty-stricken orphans is not normally in the schedule over the school summer holiday.

But one group of Bingley pupils have returned from a trip of a lifetime to Africa where they have experienced thrills and made a positive difference to the lives of dozens of people.

Eight pupils from Beckfoot School each raised £2,800 to take part in the adventure in Malawi.

The youngsters, aged between 14 and 17, spoke of the experiences gained on the trip and the pride they felt after their efforts.

They spent several weeks renovating several orphan outreach centres in the country which help to improve the chances for youngsters aged up to 13.

The pupils who took part in the four-week challenge were Kate Figgess, Justine Holmes, Deborah Mycock, Oksana Balmforth, Vicky Wantner-Smith, Abigail Garland, Vicky Murgatroyd and Emma Jackson.

Emma said the group spent the first part of the trip trekking up mountains more than 2,000 metres in height before taking part in a safari.

They then started work on the orphanages.

She said: "Everyone was really friendly; all the local people were really grateful for what we did and they were sad to see us leave."

The team were only supposed to renovate one orphanage but helped out at other centres during their stay.

Debbie said: "It was a real team effort by all of us.

"The youngsters were orphans because their parents had died of HIV and there we were also trying to raise awareness of the problem.

"We were very sad to leave because we had been there for eight weeks and had done so much for everyone."

Justine said: "Since we've been back, we've really appreciated how easy life is over here. You can be waiting for a glass of water for one-and-half hours out there."

Abigail added: "There are not enough words to describe the situation or the country itself."

The trip was run through the World Challenge programme, which organises trips across the globe for people wanting to make a difference.

Some of the group were so moved by their experiences that they are planning to sign up for another adventure, possibly to Mexico or Thailand.

The pupils have organised a presentation evening about the trip for parents and staff at the school in Wagon Lane on October 18, from 6.30pm.