Intrepid students visited temples, swam in the River Ganges and joined in with some Bollywood dancing during a life-changing visit to India.

Jack Brady, Natasha Rodia, Bradley Foster and Saffron Barnes-Fullalove – all former pupils at Hollins Technology College in Accrington – travelled to India after sitting their GCSE exams in July.

They were accompanied by Religious Education subject leader Kate Murry, who led them on a long haul flight to Delhi, stopping in Abu Dhabi for a couple of hours on the way.

Once in Delhi, the group met with their guide who was part of the ivolunteer program and spent several days visiting schools, sampling delicious Indian cuisine and experiencing the colourful sights and smells of the local markets.

From Delhi the group made the long journey across the country to Agra, home of the world-famous Taj Mahal and the impressive Lotus Temple.

After soaking up the stunning architecture, the group then moved onto the River Ganges area where they stayed in a lodge by the riverside.

Jack and Bradley even took a dip in the river in the early morning mist, accompanied by their guide.

The group then visited a Buddhist temple, before moving to Mussoorie – also known as the Queen of the Hills – in the foothills of the Himalayan mountain ranges.

After stopping off at some of the most famous parts of India, the group rounded off their amazing two-week trip by trying their hand at one of India’s most famous traditions.

The teenagers took part in a Bollywood dance class and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

Sarah Ginn, from Hollins, said: “It was a life changing experience. Saffron stated that she now ‘values everything in life’ and Bradley is keen to return to India to do some volunteering work.”