THREE local students covered more than 50 miles walking through remote and tough terrain for charity.

Lucy Jordan, of Whitchurch, Alex Everall, of Harewood End, and Anwen Read, of Monmouth, arranged a four-day trek to raise money for the Search and Rescue Dogs Association.

Their sponsorship of £500-plus was a welcome donation for the voluntary organisation, whose dogs help mountain rescue teams and emergency services to find missing people.

The girls, who are all aged 17 and studying at Haberdashers' Monmouth School for Girls, were glad of the opportunity to get in some training for their Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award expedition, planned for later this year.

Biting wind

Their Mid-Wales journey took them from a cold and wet Machynlleth Station on a route to the Offa's Dyke Path on to Commins Coch.

Snow on Monday night and a biting cold wind did not deter the trio from making the 15-mile trek to Llangadfan.

The weather improved for the last two days and they were joined for the final stage from Meifod to Welshpool by rescue dog Indie, a black Labrador, and handler Spencer Clamp, of Ross.

The girls' adventure ended in a train journey to Hereford where family and friends, including Mark Gibbings and his rescue dog Cara, the safe return of the triumphant trio.

Lucy, Alex and Anwen are now getting ready for another training session, spending a weekend in the Brecon Beacons.