IT MAY not have had the lush vegetation of the jungle, but youngsters from Chepstow did not have to travel far from home for training to deal with the landscape of Kenya and Uganda.

Pupils from Wyedean School, Chepstow, received training from jungle experts from the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire regiment at Caerwent army training camp at the weekend.

The training was in preparation for a four-week expedition to Kenya and Uganda.

The group of 12 pupils, aged 16-18, are set to take part in a World Challenge Expedition this summer, which will see them trekking and camping in a jungle environment and performing community service at a local school.

Sergeant Major Will Rouse, a Royal Gloucestershire Berkshire Wiltshire army jungle warfare instructor with ten years' experience, said: "All the soldiers on our team have been jungle-trained in Brunei, Belize, Kenya and Jamaica so we're well equipped to help the students prepare for their expedition.

"As well as receiving advice on first aid, tropical diseases and equipment, the students will also gain survival skills in the four main areas of water, shelter, fire and traps.

"We will look at methods of collecting and purifying water, building and lighting fires, building shelters from undergrowth, and catching and cooking food.

"The students will then have the chance to put the skills they have learnt into practice by working together to set up a camp.

"They will also be gaining vital experience in teamwork, leadership and organisation."

The pupils had to raise £3,000 each to take part in the expedition, and raised the money through organising school discos and selling cakes to other pupils.

Major Rick Radice is the army careers adviser for the area. He said: "We are more than happy to support local students who are prepared to put so much effort into such a rewarding experience.

"As well as spending time in a jungle environment in a developing country, an experience in itself, the students will be taking time to help the community.

"Our expertise in jungle survival will ensure they are fully prepared for the reality of the jungle, and hopefully enrich their experience still further."

Alison Burns, the teacher who has helped organise the expedition, said: "The army are the experts in teamwork, and it's really important that the students learn to work together.

"When in Kenya and Uganda they will be in charge and making all the decisions, and this training will give them the confidence they need to do that effectively."