MORE than 100 students, staff and family members from Dowdales School, Dalton-in-Furness, will take part in the Keswick and Coniston to Barrow walks on Saturday May 7.

Three teams, made up of 28 students, staff and family members, will set off from school at 3.30am to travel to the start line of the 50th Keswick to Barrow 42.6 mile challenge.

And seven teams made up of 75 students, staff and family members will take part in the Coniston to Barrow for the first time this year and will set off from Coniston at 9am to walk 21 miles to Hawcoat Park, Barrow.

Twenty members of staff are set to support at various points along the route.

Headteacher Julie O’Connor said: “The Keswick to Barrow requires a high level of individual grit and determination especially this year with the course being longer than ever before. I am sure our teams will rise to the challenge and show just how inspirational Dowdalians are. It is fantastic to be taking part in the 50th anniversary of the Keswick to Barrow.”

“This year we have entered the Coniston to Barrow for the first time with seven teams of Year 7, 8 and 9 students taking part together with staff and family. This will be an extremely exciting prospect for our Key Stage 3 students and I hope they thoroughly enjoy the experience.”