Parents, students and staff at Rickmansworth School who hiked 42 miles across Yorkshire, have donated thousands of pounds to three charities.

The team of 85 eager adventurers, aged between 11 and 50, took part in the Lyke Wake Walk over the weekend of July 2. The walk consists of a complete crossing of the North Yorkshire Moors.

They commandeered the village hall in Ravenscar, and pitched tents in the accompanying field, all in the name of raising money for the school and local charities.

Karen Frakes, a teacher at the school, said: “Many valiant souls undertook the gruelling 42 miles, whilst others paced themselves by opting for the 21 or 10 mile options.

“Everyone had a thoroughly enjoyable weekend, helped by catering, support and medical crews, but, more importantly their efforts raised a magnificent £13,000 through sponsorship.”

On November 6, at Rickmansworth School Christmas Fair, three charities were presented with a cheque of £1,000 each.

The cheques were presented by David Angell, who completed the 42 mile walk in 15 hours, only ten days before his 13th birthday.

The Colne Valley Special Sailors, who help young disabled people enjoy the sport of sailing on the Bury Lake at the Aquadrome, will use the money to purchase a specially adapted boat.

The Sunflower Centre, a service based in Watford which helps people suffering domestic abuse, will use the money to buy train tickets, personal alarms and entry monitoring equipment.

Finally money was donated to Addenbrookes Paediatric Department, where former student Richard Johnson was cared for during the last days of his life.

The money will be added to that previously raised by students to buy mobile drug dispensing units, allowing sick children more freedom.

Rickmansworth School will use the rest to help build a new sports hall, which will also be available to the community.