FIVE intrepid explorers embarked on the Isobel Mair School's first Duke of Edinburgh (DofE) expedition.

Senior students Sophie Brough, Amy Clark, Sara Clegg, Alex O'Donnell and Stuart Cherry headed to Ayrshire's Eglinton Country Park for a night under canvas as part of a training exercise for their bronze DofE award.

Each pupil showed great enthusiasm to tackle a series of testing challenges which included: completing a two-day hike, setting up their own camp, cooking breakfast and dinner and following pictorial navigation.

The outing was used as a trial run ahead of an assessed expedition to be held during East Renfrewshire's annual Dreams Come True outward bound weekend for young people with additional support needs.

Supported by East Renfrewshire Council's young persons services, the teenagers were accompanied on the trip by depute head teacher Ursula Scrimgeour who praised their brilliant efforts.

She said: "The Duke of Edinburgh is a very highly regarded achievement for any young person and we are so proud of the Isobel Mair School pilot group who are all expected to achieve their bronze award.

"The expedition element is challenging but all five pupils were troopers and really enjoyed their experience.

"The pilot year has been made possible with support and guidance from the Duke of Edinburgh team at East Renfrewshire young persons services and we hope this is the start of a long-term partnership to ensure that young people with additional support needs can have this excellent experience."

The Isobel Mair youngsters will hope to be rewarded with their bronze award at this year's Dreams Come True event at Lochgilphead National Outdoor Centre from June 17-19.

Aside from their expedition on June 1, the DofE group have been developing their public speaking and football coaching skills through a partnership with Celtic's Ability Counts project.

Members have also taken part in horse riding lessons and are volunteering to support their local community in Newton Mearns by picking litter up off the streets.