TWO HAMPSHIRE boys have set themselves a gruelling physical challenge to help raise funds for a special school.

Nathan Carpenter, pictured right, 16, and his best friend Scott Johnstone, also 16, will be trekk-ing more than 50 miles in three days around Snowdon and other paths within Snowdonia National Park to raise money for a new drama studio for Oak Lodge Special School in Dibden Purlieu.

The two boys from Fawley, who have been friends for more than nine years, came up with the fundraising idea while on holiday together in Wales last year.

Nathan said: "My brother goes to Oak Lodge as he has learning difficulties and has made a lot of progress. We knew the school needed a new drama studio so we thought of doing this challenge and raising money for the school at the same time.

"We hope to raise a minimum of £1,000 for the school and our parents have helped by taking sponsor forms into work. My dad gave one form to a truck driver which is being circulated all over the country."

The boys will be accompanied by Nathan's dad Rob and his friend, Rob Bundy. They will be carrying a full pack weighing 35 pounds to make it even more challenging.

Scott said: "We have been taking walks through the Forest most weekends for up to six or seven miles and we are trying to raise as much money as possible."

The three-day challenge will start on April 27 and they are looking for as much sponsorship or donations as possible.

Anyone interested in sponsoring Nathan or Scott can send cheques made payable to Oak Lodge School to Nathan Carpenter, 134 Heather Road, Fawley.