A GROUP of disabled students from a Bristol school went up the wall – at the Bristol Climbing Centre in St Werburghs.

The trip was arranged to encourage the students not to let their disabilities get in the way of leading an active life and to help them believe that with support they can do everything able-bodied people can do.

The students – five of whom are in wheelchairs and have disabilities including muscular dystrophy, spina bifida and cerebral palsy – each needed the help of two instructors but were determined not to let their disabilities stop them from tackling the 20ft walls.

Academy learning support assistant Nina Matthews, who helped organise the trip with colleagues Rosie Hart and Rachel Gregor, said: "This is the second trip we've organised to the centre. The first, in March, was such a success we decided to do it again. One child said he wasn't even going to take part because it seemed so daunting but he decided to have a go, and the look on his face when he made it to the top of the wall and back was a pleasure to see.

"The main reason for the trip is to broaden the horizons of the students to show they can do anything with a little help."

Student Danielle Lawrence, 14, said: "At first I was frightened but it turned out to be good fun. It really helped me feel more confident."