A TEAM of young adventurers from a North-East school have become the first students of their age to win a prestigious competition.

The team of six Hurworth School boys, collectively named ‘The Darlo Firm’, saw off rivals from all over the county to win first place in the YMCA Lakeside Challenge, becoming the first Year 9 team ever to win the competition.

The annual inter-school contest, which takes place across a weekend at the YMCA National Centre near Lake Windemere, sees teams of Year 9s and Year 10s compete in a variety of outdoor adventures, including canoeing, climbing, and orienteering. The challenges are designed to promote outdoor learning, and help students develop problem-solving, teamwork, communication and leadership skills.

Hurworth’s winning team comprised Aaron Peverley, Will Yardley, Oliver Hodges, Sam Adams, George Walker, and Jake Cox. Team captain Aaron said: “It feels really good to win, especially since we were up against a lot of Year 10 teams. Everyone in The Darlo Firm did really well, and we’re all very proud. We’ll be returning next year to defend our title.”

The team members were presented with the winner’s trophy by YMCA Lakeside CEO Steve Scott, during a special assembly at Hurworth School.

As well as winning first place, teams from Hurworth School were also placed third, fourth, and seventh out of the 20 teams taking part.

Teacher Simon Gray, who organised the school’s four teams, said: “Everyone at Hurworth School is immensely proud of all our students who took part. To not only win the competition, but to have all four teams place in the top ten, is outstanding. Well done to everyone involved. Have no doubt, we’ll be back next year, so look out!”