Students from an Oxfordshire school are all set to head for the hills, mountains and villages of northern Argentina.

The 38 pupils from Thame will split into three groups, organise their own journeys, buy food from local markets and work on community projects with local people during their month-long expedition.

Every one of them has raised £2,800 through fundraising over the 18 months they have been planning the trip.

The students, accompanied by staff from Lord Williams's School, set off on Wednesday, July 11, returning to Thame on August 10 - just in time for their exam results.

They will be based in the provinces of Jujuy and Salta in the north west of Argentina.

As well as trekking, visiting Inca cities and national parks, they will work alongside the mountain people on community work.

Deputy head David Jones will be with them and other members of staff on the expedition.

He said: "We are all looking forward to working with the students, seeing them grow in confidence and understanding as they tackle the greatest challenge of their school careers."