The Meet The Marines Challenge took place in Newcastle, with Year 9 and 10 boys from South Shields Community School, Mortimer Community College, Harton Technology College and St Wilfrid's RC College in South Shields, Jarrow School, St Joseph's RC Comprehensive in Hebburn and Boldon School, taking part.

The event, which took place on at the Royal Marines Reserve Tyne Division, saw the 14 and 15 year-olds complete a team-building assault course, circuit challenge, physical fitness test, climbing wall and a blindfolded team-building exercise all within two hours.

They collected points for each activity completed adding to a combined final total which decided the overall Tyne and Wear Meet the Marines Champions.

And while the eventual winners of the challenge emerged as All Saints College, Newcastle, the runners-up were Jarrow School, closely followed by Boldon School.

Sports teacher Liam Heslop, from Mortimer Community College, said: "This has been an excellent event. The lads were very tired, but thoroughly enjoyed the experience."

The event was organised by Newcastle City Council, the Fusion team whose main objectives are to increase physical activity in young people, the Royal Marines Reserve Tyne Division, and the Tyne and Wear School Sport Partnership competition managers.

David Newton, partnership development manager for South Tyneside, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for young men to participate with a professional organisation with a great history for shaping young people into responsible adults and citizens through positive teamwork and physical activity."

Quenten Dodds, South Tyneside competition manager, added: "A special thanks has to go to the organisers of the event and the Royal Marine Reserves Tyne Division for giving up their valuable time to work with these young men."