THREE Stourbridge teenagers tackled a gruelling obstacle course to raise money for youngsters in Gambia.

Twins Katie and Lucy Thomas, aged 14 and Rhiannon Cutler, aged 15, took part in the Tough Guy challenge in Perton last Wednesday as they wanted to do something different in their bid to raise funds for Ridgewood High School's Project Gambia.

The students, who had spent a month training for the event, battled their way through mud and water, crawled through tunnels and under nets as they completed the challenging course and have raised around £300 in sponsorship.

The trio, who will be flying out to Gambia on April 8 with the Wollaston school, aren't alone in their fundraising efforts, fellow students are currently busy selling tickets for a raffle, where the star prize is a giant Easter egg.

They are also collecting resources including arts and craft equipment, stationary, hair accessories and face paints to take with them on their trip.

It's not just students and staff helping to raise funds, parent Michelle Emerson also took the plunge for the cause recently and did a sponsored skydive, raising £300.

Bev Hodt, assistant headteacher and Project Gambia leader, said: "The local communities and schools we work with in the Gambia have asked me to pass on their thanks to all those who continue to support the work of Project Gambia.

"The money raised and the donations given are making a huge difference to the lives of many Gambian people.

"This year a party of 83 people will be spending 10 days in the Gambia working in schools and villages. The money raised will be used to purchase school resources, paint to refurbish schools and provide villages with rice, mosquito nets and solar lights."