PUPILS from a school in Taunton camped in the wilds of Exmoor for two nights, scavenging to gather secret codes, hiding from each other in ditches and creeping through woods in darkness.

As part of the King's College CCF Chindits programme, third formers were given a taste of CCF activities through basic training.

The excursion base camp overlooked an Exmoor valley and the pupils took part in traditional camp activities, including cooking, navigation, camouflage and concealment.

They were part of either Bravo, Golf or Romeo sections, who competed against each other over several exercises such as infiltrating the staff and lower sixth form NCO stronghold to take the throne,, scavenging across the moor to gather a secret code, hiding from each other in ditches at dusk to sneaking through woods in pitch darkness to avoid dug-in staff and NCOs.

They were marked on all the activities, the cleanliness of the tents and teamwork during meals.

Wave 1 was won by Bravo section, who led from start to finish under the guidance of its Chindit leader Ashley C. Queen of the Hill, and the only one to succeed in the exercise was Ellie W.

Wave 2 was won by Golf Section, who staged a comeback from last at the end of the first half day to win due to Queen of the Hill Monnie J and fellow teammate Lois C.

Overall, the third form had great fun learning new skills in the field, including not depending on their mobile phones.

Awards were - Commander of the Week, Ashley C for managing and leading his team to victory, with special mention to Barnaby M and Grace G from their sections; The Out of their Comfort Zone award for pushing the boundaries and getting involved went to Olivia H, with mentions to Rosie H and Victoria M; Chindit of the week for outstanding effort, helpfulness and all-round contribution went to Bethany H.