Pupils robbed at gunpoint

Huaraz is 400km north of the capital, Lima

A party of British schoolchildren was robbed at gunpoint by bandits while on a mountain expedition in Peru.

The nine pupils, aged between 16 and 18 and from schools in south Wales and Berkshire - were trekking with two teachers and an expedition leader when the bandits struck.

It is understood the teenagers have decided to stay in the South American country despite their ordeal.

The five Welsh pupils, from the Bishop of Llandaff Church in Wales School in Cardiff, are being accompanied by 25-year-old teacher Rebecca Hayes.

Obviously, we will be assessing this area again in the future Travel company spokesman

There are also four pupils from the Marist School in Ascot in the party. All are expected back home next week.

The entire group - which was trekking in Huaraz, northern Peru - was forced to hand over cameras and money, but were not hurt in the incident

A spokesman for World Challenge Expeditions, which organised the students' time in Peru, said the group was approached by "three opportunist bandits". One of them was believed to have had a gun.

"They gave over three cameras and about $120 dollars (£80) and then returned to their hostel unharmed," he added. "They were shaken up of course."

The pupils were on a month-long expedition to the country, when the incident happened.

"We have contacted the schools and all the parents of those involved were contacted early the following day to inform them of the situation," the spokesman went on.

The travel company organises trips for students all over the world. Incidents such as this were "rare events", the spokesman said. "We have operations managers who research the countries before the groups go, and someone working 24 hours a day in case of emergencies," he said.

"Obviously, we will be assessing this area again in the future."

Carol Cobert, chair of governors at the Bishop of Llandaff School, said she only knew that the children were safe.