TENACIOUS teaching staff at a Greenock school are pulling on their walking boots and taking on a world-famous trek to raise funds.

A team from King's Oak Primary are preparing to conquer the West Highland Way in July.

The walkers will head out on the five-day expedition, starting on July 26, to raise money for the school and for a local cause.

Senior family worker Caroline McCahill says while the journey will be tough her colleagues are ready for the challenge.

Caroline hopes it will help to inspire pupils to get active.

She said: "We speak to the young people a lot about the importance of exercise, so we have to lead by example and show them that it's not a case of 'do as we say, not as we do'.

"It will be tough and it will require a lot of team work, encouragement and perseverance but we're ready for it.

"Some of our staff and their families have been really affected by the Covid crisis.

"To show our support, we want to give the majority of the money we raise to a local organisation that's doing a lot to help communities recover from the pandemic."

Caroline will be joined on the adventure by principal teacher Craig Thomson, Active Schools co-ordinator Caitlyn Haldane, teacher Adam Wilkinson, and additional support needs auxiliaries Ashley Rankin and Nicola Wilson.

Starting out in Milngavie, the trekkers will head to Balmaha, Inverarnan, Bridge of Orchy and Kinlochleven, and will finish at Fort William on the Friday.

Principal teacher Craig said: "As a school, we all recognise the benefits of team spirit and we'll be working as a team in the challenge.

"We've been working with pupils and families over the last few months, talking about how exercise has a positive impact on mental health and wellbeing.

"It will be tough going but we're all really excited about it."

The team of trekkers will be staying at locations along the route as they conquer the Way.

As accommodation costs mount up, the school is appealing for local businesses to provide sponsorship.

Personal trainer Craig Mills at Evolution Fitness was the first to sign up.

Caroline added: "The cost of our accommodation is mounting up and we don't want to use any money that people have donated for the school and for the charity appeal.

"We're looking for local businesses to get on board and support us and in return, we'll help them get their word out about what they're up to."

To find out more contact Caroline by emailing gw19mccahillcaroline@glow.sch.uk

WEST IS BEST: Principal teacher Craig Thomson, Active Schools co-ordinator Caitlyn Haldane, teacher Adam Wilkinson, additional support needs auxiliary Ashley Rankin, and senior family worker Caroline McCahill.