The cadet force ended up holed up at Lukla in Nepal – over 9,000ft up and close to the base of the mountain.

In the end they had to trek through the weather, to a tiny airport at Phablu, to be airlifted out!

Earlier, the 16-year-old Ridgewood and Danum A-level student had spent three weeks doing the equivalent of climbing Ben Nevis every day, as part of a team of 24!

The eventful Hima-layan expedition took the team to Base Camp Four on Everest, taking in such historic centres as Jirri and Kathmandu.

During the adventure, one member had had to be rescued by helicopter after getting blood poisoning, although he has since recovered.

David's parents were able to follow his progress from reports sent back by the trek organisers, though phone calls were few and far between.

Back at home, David said: "When we got stuck at Lukla there was actually a phone but none of us had enough money left to use it!"

The teenager – a cadet for almost three years – was selected for his toughness and tenacity, and he trained for the trip by running three miles most days before school, plus training weekends organised by the cadet force.

He also worked hard to raise £1,200 towards the trek – including £150 in sponsorship for having his legs waxed!

Donations were also made by Sprotbrough Parish Council, Stanley Schools and Ridgewood School.

He said the experience had left him "much fitter" – and also enormously impr-essed by the generosity of the locals he met, despite the fact that many live in poverty.

He said: "People like the sherpas and porters were just so kind to us.

"They were amazing – the sherpas carried 32kg, plus their own kit... and they would be jogging in front of us, wearing flip flops!"

David, now a Lance Cpl, is keenly ambitious, and is aiming to become a Regular Army officer.

He has already become familiar with the workings of a Warrior tank and a Chinook helicopter.