MOST Duke of Edinburgh students can be seen trudging round the West Pennine Moors or Pendle Hill come rain or shine.

But two St Mary's College students are hoping to head for more dizzy heights as part of a 17-day expedition of Europe's highest peak.

David Reddy and Alan Davies are looking for business sponsorship to support their bid to complete a Tour de Mont Blanc, in the French Alps, with the Brathay Exploration Scheme. The 135kilometres walk - which will see them reach an altitude of 8,000feet - will count towards their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.

David, 18, of Beechwood Drive, Fensicowles, said: "We wanted to do something a bit different, a bit more exciting. So instead of staying low down, we chose to go 8,000feet.

"We need £700 each in sponsorship to do it, though, which is part of the challenge. I would highly recommend Duke of Edinburgh to anyone. You learn so much and really push yourself."

Andy Taylor, communications officer for the award, said: "We are seeing more and more students getting adventurous with their final expedition when they see what is out there in terms of opportunity.

"It builds on their motivation and social skills as well as the sheer determination to complete something like this.

"The awards will already have given them a lot of training in camp craft and emergency skills but this will certainly push them. And no doubt after this they will be bitten by the bug for a life enjoying mountaineering as a hobby."

David and Alan, also 18, formerly of St. Bede's RC High School and Darwen Moorland High School, have already won a Millennium Volunteers Award for completing 200 hours of community service.

This involved instructing younger members of the 1262 Blackburn Squadron of the Air Training Corps, clearing the Blakewater river around Witton Park, for which they won a Dragonfly Award, and clearing a pond area at Tottington Primary School.

On successful completion of the expedition, David and Alan will receive their awards at Buckingham Palace.