A group of pupils from Wishaw are training hard for an expedition to arctic Greenland, with the help of North Lanarkshire Leisure.

The adventurers, aged 14 to 18 years old, have been given free membership of local gyms to ensure they are in peak physique for the trip, which will see them trek up to 10km a day while pulling their own equipment along an ancient Inuit trail.

During the October break, 19 pupils from the two schools spent a week at the sportscotland outdoor learning centre, Glenmore Lodge in Aviemore, beginning their training for the Polar Academy.

The youngsters will be split into two groups, the expedition team and the leadership team.

The expedition team will be trekking to the Arctic Circle and exploring some of the most remote places in Greenland, while the leadership team – reserves for the main expedition – will support the local community by delivering outdoor activities to schools across North Lanarkshire.

Blane Dodds, Chief Executive at North Lanarkshire Leisure, said: “We believe there are no limits to a person’s goals and these pupils really bring that ethos to life.”

Craig Mathieson, founder of the Polar Academy and Scotland’s greatest living explore, said: “The Polar Academy is all about building the confidence and experience of young Scots, turning them into role models when they return from the expedition. As with any adventure, preparation is crucial and we’re grateful for the support from North Lanarkshire Leisure for giving the team the chance to get in the best possible shape ahead of the expedition.”

Councillor Jim Logue, Chair of North Lanarkshire Leisure, said: “This is an outstanding opportunity for the young people involved and that’s why we were so keen to support them in this way.

“When the pupils return from their life-changing expedition, they will give presentations in schools across North Lanarkshire and inspire others to seek challenges and adventures.”

The trek takes place over ten days between 3 and 16 April 2015.

NL Active Schools coordinators Joanne Cuthbertson and Nicola Joergensen helped secure a £10,000 Award for All grants to fund the activities at Glenmore Lodge.