LOCHGELLY High School's Polar Expedition is up and running this week.

The months of hard training under the watchful eye of the Polar Academy's experts the ten LHS pupils and rector Carol Ann Penrose left the school at 9am on Monday many in the area were enjoying a relaxing Bank Holiday.

Headteacher, Carol Ann Penrose, and ten of the superstar students were preparing for their expedition to the Arctic!

The Polar Academy 2017/2018 Expedition Team includes Kieran Burns - 14, Morgan Adam - 14, Carla Masterton - 14, Megan Hargrave - 16, Lauren Scott - 14, Daniel Pratt-17 , Conner Harper - 16, Daisy George - 14, Carrie Wetherspoon - 14 and Hannah Reid - 15.

There was a big turn out watching the LHS Dream Team depart saying goodbye to family and friends and emotions were definitely running high! There was a mixture of excitement and nervousness from pupils and parents/carers alike and there were many tears shed.

Some students still couldn’t believe that that they were being granted the opportunity to undertake this life-changing experience.

The adrenaline was clearly flowing as the bus departed from the school and messages of good luck were gratefully received. Thanks to all those who came along to wave off our exceptionally brave Arctic explorers, who will be led by Craig Mathieson, Scotland’s first Explorer in Residence at the Royal Scottish Geographical Society.

The group began their journey with a flight to Keflavik, in Iceland, and they then transferred to Reykjavik.

They then promptly journeyed onwards to Kulusuk, before beginning a helicopter transfer to Tasiilaq, Greenland, where they will commence their Arctic expedition.

Ms Penrose said on Monday: "So the big day has arrived and the pupils are really keyed up.

"They have worked tremendously hard under Craig Mathieson and his team and we can see a huge change in them in the nine months since the school was chosen to be part of this adventure.

"They are so much more confident now and ready for the challenges that lie ahead in the Arctic."

Craig Mathieson said of the LHS team: "The pupils selected should be proud of their decision to bravely step forward and aim to make their lives better.

"The trip ahead will be tough, but the relentless training they have done will help them greatly but there will be the need for immense individual effort.

"I am very confident they will return from the Arctic bursting with pride, emanating with self-confidence and ready to inspire their peer groups across the country. Their lives are about to get better.”