STUDENTS have ditched the rivers and fields of East Lancashire for a far more adventurous field trip to France.

More than 20 Year 9 pupils from Queen's Park High School in Shadsworth, Blackburn, have headed off to the southern Tarn region for a week-long study trip.

The group, accompanied by two teachers, will stay at the British-owned Eagles Nest centre in Mont Lozere where they will take part in organised activities in the surrounding hills, valleys and coast of the national Cevennes park.

Anne Haworth, head of science and maths, said the trip will boost SATs work at the school which was put into special measures by Oftsed in February, as well as the youngsters self esteem.

The children have been selected on a voluntary basis, with several funded by the Government's Gifted and Talented strand of Excellence in Cities programme.