A SCHOOL is set to expand an extra-curricular scheme for its pupils.

Everest Community Academy, in Oxford Way, has landed £2,000 from the Tesco Bags of Help community grants scheme which it will use on equipment to support the recently set up Duke of Edinburgh's Award.

The academy applied for and has now been able to buy some of the most expensive expedition equipment such as tents, rucksacks, cookers and sleeping bags to enable every pupil equal access to gain the award.

Through the Bags of Help scheme, Tesco customers get the chance to vote for three different groups each time they shop.

Every other month, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions are awarded funding.

A statement from Everest Community Academy read: "We are delighted that the community have been so supportive, enabling us to help so many young people over years to come.

"We have been very lucky with the amount of equipment we are now able to provide to our award participants and can consequently widen participation to those who may not have otherwise been able to access the award."