A GROUP of plucky pupils from have completed an arduous 50k river journey as part of a major Shropshire charity challenge.

The children from Abberley Hall School near Tenbury Wells braved atrocious weather during a two-day canoe and camping trip to raise an amazing £8,800 - almost three times their target.

The 19 youngsters, aged between 10 and 13, collected the money as part of the K12 Challenge which aims to donate £100,000 towards a new, state of the art indoor arena in Much Wenlock for the Riding for the Disabled Association.

Abberley Hall Headmaster Will Lockett, said that it was the pupils' idea to undertake the adventure and they planned the route from Attingham near Shrewsbury to Bewdley.

"The K12 Challenge is aiming to get 100 children, groups of children, schools or clubs from throughout the region to raise £1,000 each by taking on sponsored sporting events.

"The intention is to inspire young people to make a difference by being active and to give them an insight to the lives of other children who face daily challenges with their disabilities.

"They braved torrential rain all day to navigate the Severn in Canadian style canoes, even taking on some serious rapids near Ironbridge.

"The children displayed incredible determination and impressed supporters and sponsors alike with their cheerfulness despite the appalling weather.

"They also worked hard at raising sponsorship, setting out to collect £3,000 but actually reaching an incredible £8,800 so far.

"Abberley pupils are rising brilliantly to the K12 challenge by coming up with lots of ways to take part - competing in a triathlon, a mud run, an extreme bike ride, mountain climbing and an outdoor swim and the canoe trip was the latest. They are getting a great deal of pleasure and sense of achievement by being part of this initiative." Mr Lockett explained.