students swapped their desks in Grays for the great outdoors in Argentina.

The group of eight, from Palmers College witnessed life in a mountain village and trekked through rainforests.

They visited the South American country as part of a World Challenge educational event.

The four-week trip saw them helping locals redecorate and renovate a school in an isolated village, while also enjoying the the country’s biggest festival of the year, Independence Day.

During their trek through mountains and rainforests they were caught up in a tropical storm.

Student Helen Barwick said: “The trip really tested our team working and communication skills, without these we would have struggled.

“We all bonded very quickly, although we found the adventure physically, mentally and emotionally challenging at times.”

Lotte Samuels added: “Coming home made me realise we live in an isolated way and should do more in the community.”

The college’s senior pastoral manager, Paul Spinks, headed the trip with retired Palmers teacher Kathy Price.

Mr Spinks said: “The students threw themselves into every challenge with great enthusiasm and energy and yet were considerate and sensitive to the very different culture they were immersed in.”