ARCHBISHOP Holgate's School pupils swam the English Channel in an effort to reach China.

More than 30 students took part in the sponsored event to swim more than 20 miles - the equivalent of the channel - and raise cash for an expedition to China.

Pupils from Years Nine and Ten, who took part in the event yesterday, will be going on the eight-day adventure in 2005.

During the trip they will see the Great Wall of China, Tiananmon Square and the famous terracotta army.

Teacher Steve Sandwell, who is organising the trip, said part of the experience of the expedition was organising fundraising events before hand, such as the sponsored swim.

Updated: 12:30 Wednesday, April 21, 2004