The pair, who are both teaching assistants at Portland School, dressed as Roman soldiers in fantastic costumes crafted out of chocolate tins by Graeme and walked more than eight miles along Hadrian's Wall.

Along with teacher, Ray Ross, the pair are setting up a Duke of Edinburgh scheme for the children at the school, in Chapelgarth, Sunderland, which caters for young people with severe learning difficulties.

Jeff said setting up the scheme and keeping it going over the years will cost thousands of pounds, especially to buy all the outdoor equipment needed.

He said: "The walk was brilliant. Everyone was stopping and talking to us and lots of people wanted to have their photos taken with us because we looked like real Roman soldiers.

"Graeme made every part of the costumes, including the shields and leather shoes. The only things we bought were the helmets and swords."

The pair are hoping to make the walk from Housesteads to Vindelanda an annual event and next time will be getting smaller costumes to take some of the children with them.

Ray said the young people are already really excited about the prospect of taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards and the first set of children will be starting work towards their bronze award this week.

He said: "It would be the most amazing achievement for them to get their Duke of Edinburgh Award.

"We need to challenge the young people, but to their own ability.

"We want to stretch them, so they get a big buzz out of the achievement."

But Ray said the school will need to raise a lot of money to buy all the equipment they need, including tents, sleeping bags, outdoor clothing, walking boots and a whole host of camping gear.

With the Roman soldier walk and help and donations from The Blue Star Darts and Domino League, the school taxi service, Slimming World, Portland staff and the Halfway House pub, the teachers have raised £800 so far.

Jeff said: "People tend to think that special needs children get all the cash they need, but that's not always the case. We have to do a lot of fund-raising for extra things."
Anyone who would like to make a donation or who can help in some way should contact the school on 553 6050.