A group of children and parents experiencing issues at school and at home were put through their paces by former military instructors to help them bond through greater understanding.

The event was organised by Kent’s Family Focus Headstart and Challenger Troop CIC, which provides youth engagement programmes with a military ethos.

Participants were part of a group made up of families who all attend the Orchards Academy at St Mary’s Road, Swanley.

On a sunny but cold winter morning, they wore Army-style jackets, trousers and waterproofs to take on a challenging course which involved climbing, crawling, jumping and swinging through obstacles.

They also had to cook a meal prepared from food gathered in the wild, including skinning a rabbit and learning how to get a fire started. They then worked together to clear everything up.

Organiser Nicola Farrell said: “There was a great deal of mutual respect and a lot comments like: ‘I’m so proud of you… I didn’t know you could do that!’”

It was a view echoed by Islay O’Hara, development manager at Challenger Troop CIC: “What impressed me about the day was just how much of an impact it had on the parents when the children encouraged them through the various challenges.

“Some of the activities were tough, but with encouragement, everyone achieved which built a strong sense of mutual understanding and respect within the family unit.” It took place at a training centre in Sittingbourne.