No sign of any Bad Lads this time... just a group of schoolgirls being put through their paces by Army officers.

Year 11 pupils from Southend High School for Girls spent a day solving problems and taking part in tasks set by soldiers from the Royal Engineers and the Royal Air Transport Corps.

The tough tests included a blindfold assault course, doing roly-polys across the field and running back to test orientation, and carrying each other on improvised stretchers.

Dawn Nicholls, head of careers at the school, said: "Although they may have groaned about it at the beginning, I think they have found it really enjoyable.

"It's really interesting to see how it is boosting their confidence. They liked working with people who they haven't worked with before.

"But I think they're aching slightly, because it was quite difficult."

Imogen Leaver, 15, said: "I really enjoyed the whole day. It was one of the best things we have done at school.

"The blindfold assault course was really weird because you didn't know which direction you were going in."

Francesqua Bragg, 15, said: "My favourite part of the day was the teambuilding exercises.

"I got to know people in other classes better. I think it helped the quiet people, because everybody had to adapt, and everybody had to say something.

"We hadn't known what to expect when we were told the Army were coming. I felt quite scared, thinking the Army are quite strict and shouty.

"But although they were strict, and showed us how they shouted, they weren't how I was expecting."

Yvette Conner, 15 said: "We saw different sides of people who are usually quite quiet. If someone seems really quiet, they will still have to say something.

"And they could come out with something really good."

The students were also given advice on which courses are available for sixth form study.