PUPILS were put through their paces as Royal Marines visited to test their strength and stamina.

Sit ups, press ups and the rowing machine were some of the tough challenges faced by teenagers at Port High School under the watchful eye of the coveted green beret Royal Marine Commandos.

The training session was part of the school's Skills Academy, which aims to inspire pupils who have just finished their exams.

Over the course of nine days, the pupils will enjoy a range of workshops with employers designed to boost their skills and open their eyes to potential careers in the future.

Bryan Kelly, principal teacher of PE at the school, says the programme has gone from strength to strength since it was established a few years ago by depute head Suzanne Welsh.

He said: "This allows us to work and build relationships with businesses in the local community.

"It provide opportunities for the pupils and builds their skills for life to make sure they are prepared for when they leave school.

"It shows them the opportunities that exist."

Pupil Jay Robertson, who is in fourth year, thinks the Skills Academy is a great idea.

The 15-year-old told the Tele: "It's good because it gives us a chance to see what opportunities are out there.

"The Marines is something I would think about in the future depending on the training - it sounds intense."

A spokesman for the Royal Marines said: "The pupils will do a timed rowing machine exercise whereby the harder they work on the rower, the less other people have to work - so it's about team work.

"We also have exercises such as sit ups and press ups which are done in a certain way.

"We show them how to do it once and then they do it, so we see how well they can follow through instructions when they are feeling tired."

The pupils were also put through a 'determination test' where they squat against a wall and also had their problem-solving skills tested by making a stretcher out of a rope.

Mr Kelly was keen to thank the Royal Marine Commandos as well as all the excellent recruiters who are involved in the Skills Academy - including Ferguson Marine, West College Scotland, Finlaystone Country Estate, Bren Blyth Driving School, The New Chocolate Company, Morton Community Trust and Heartstart.