A bus company has sponsored the Duke of Edinburgh programme at a Powys school that saw nearly 40 pupils complete the challenge.

Tanat Valley Coaches, based in Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant, has sponsored Ysgol Llanfyllin 's Duke of Edinburgh programme, giving financial support and equipment to the pupils who navigated across the countryside during the summer months.

Jon Doolan, the Duke of Edinburgh Coordinator for the school said: “We’re so thankful to Tanat Valley for sponsoring the Duke of Edinburgh at Llanfyllin. We’d struggle to run it without their financial support.

“One of the barriers to participating in the Duke of Edinburgh is the cost of the licence. Tanat Valley have not only paid for the licence for the year but they’ve also bought all the pupils and staff personalised hoodies and caps.”

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"It’s a wonderful opportunity. It’s chance to celebrate all the good things these pupils do outside the classroom.”

The Duke of Edinburgh involves a hiking expedition of two days and one night for Bronze, four days and three nights for Gold. Pupils also have to prove that they’ve taken part in weekly volunteering, physical and skills activities.

Activities have included horse riding, working in a charity shop, cooking meals and much more, with some of the pupils keeping their activities going for 18 months.

As part of the programme, ten Bronze expeditions took place from Meifod to Pool Quay and in the Dyfnant Forest, south of Lake Vyrnwy.

Savannah, one of the pupils that took part, described it as “a great experience,” while fellow student Seren said that it was "tough but worth it".

Some of the successful Duke of Edinburgh pupils at Llanfyllin, a programme which is now sponsored by Tanat Valley Coaches.Some of the successful Duke of Edinburgh pupils at Llanfyllin, a programme which is now sponsored by Tanat Valley Coaches. (Image: Ysgol Llanfyllin)

Meanwhile, the Year 12 Gold participants were walking across Snowdonia under the weight of their huge backpacks. Four of the sixth formers are from Llanfyllin and two attend Bro Caereinion. The Gold students carried all the food and equipment they needed for four days hiking in the hills.

Tanat Valley managing director Chris Chadd said: “It was and will continue to be a pleasure and an honour to support our local school."

Mr Doolan added: “The pupils on this year’s Bronze award are already asking about doing the Silver next year.

“With Tanat Valley’s support, DofE at Llanfyllin can only grow from strength to strength.”