YOUGSTERS faced up to some tough challenges during a day of visits from various organisations in Ramsbottom.

Year nine pupils at Woodhey High School, in Bolton Road West, had the chance to take on difficult tasks provided last Wednesday.

Each form worked as a team to complete the tasks including Royal Marines team-building exercises, Holcombe Moor Cadets command exercises, an RAF rope challenge, Fire Cadets hose assault course and police cyber bullying clip.

Pupils were also asked to translate an extract from Dutch to English and work as a DJ following a presentation from Deon Roache from Music for Young People.

Each task lasted for 30 minutes and pupils collected points for their form throughout the day based on their performance.

They also saw a demonstration from the fire service and many enjoyed the chance to try on items of firefighting equipment.

The winning form was Nine Grant and assistant headteacher Howard Turner said: “The day provided pupils with the opportunity to work together as part of a team with their form group.

“We wanted to give them an insight into various careers to demonstrate what it means to work under pressure and to tight timescales.

“The series of challenges included both physical and mental tasks and the pupils had an enduring yet fantastic day.

“With the relationships built during the day with the various services, it is an event we would like to hold annually for all year groups.

“It was a very well organised and fantastic opportunity for pupils to learn new skills and participate in a wide range of professional sectors.

“Pupils were able to ask direct questions to each practitioner and gain hands-on practical experience during group activities.

“Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves and I would welcome the chance to be part of it in the next year.”

Deon added: “It's always a pleasure to see young people achieve and we look forward to the same event in the years to come.”