Would-be disruptive pupils are being sent to an army-style boot camp to help keep them in class.

Bad behaviour and truancy are being given their marching orders under the initiative adopted by some Preston schools.

Teenagers from five of the city's secondary schools have become the first to pass out from a new Army Challenge initiative. The 12 to 16-year-olds took part in a programme of military tasters run by Avenir Training and the Preston Partnership Project.

The innovative scheme targeted local teens at risk of under-achieving.

The Preston Partnership Project works alongside the schools to provide a pro-active approach for problem pupils. Schools select youngsters struggling to overcome behavioural difficulties or social disadvantage and refer them to the project. They are then allocated an individual key worker who will set up a tailored package of support to meet the individual needs of the pupils.

This includes mentoring, help with lessons and placing pupils on special out-of-school courses like the Army Challenge.

Once a week for 10 weeks they were put through their paces in a range of activities including cooking in the field, command tasks, observation skills and army-style fitness.

An evaluation has shown that pupils taking part in the project have better attendance, less risk of exclusion, higher self-esteem and enjoy school more.

Preston Partnership key worker Nina Parker said pupils who completed the Army Challenge have shown better behaviour at school and improvements in completing homework and course work.

Army Challenge student Stephen Sandford, 14, from City of Preston High School, said: "I loved the circuit training and rock climbing. Because of it I've been a lot better at school - I don't get wound up so easily."

Avenir Training director Stephen Harrison said: "The new Army Challenge has been a resounding success. Often young people struggle at school but flourish in our unique military environment.

"The fun outdoor activities teach pupils key skills such as discipline and communication and schools have been amazed at the immediate impact on attendance and behaviour."

Avenir Training specialises in military-style education and designed and delivered the programme for the youngsters.

Partners in the scheme include Lancashire County Council, Preston Council, Learning and Skills Council and the Youth Offending Team.