A?FORMER?student at Ditcham Park School has reached the summit of Mount Everest.

The school was told the exciting news last week.

Holly Budge, the aunt of two pupils currently at the school, was also the first woman ever to skydive at 29,500ft out of an aircraft over Everest.

Holly and her team were waiting for the right weather before they made their ascent. Her ascent has been carefully monitored by pupils at Ditcham Juniors on an interactive display about her adventures.

As Holly acclimatised herself to the extremes of Mount Everest, the children have been able to send her messages of support and ask her questions via satellite communications.

A spokesman for the school said:?“It’s been wonderful for the children to empathise with Holly and be able to hear about her feelings about facing the cold and the adversity that this expedition demands with confidence, courage and optimism.

"In her backpack Holly is carrying a Ditcham flag which she will raise on the summit – a real inspiration for the pupils.

“The school is hoping that Holly will return in time to be our guest of honour for Founder’s Day.”