THREE young pilgrims have completed the trip of a lifetime in aid of their church, by walking the 1,000-mile Camino de Santiago pilgrim trail.

The three young men, Philip Seal, Julian Perlmutter and Patrick McKearney, all aged 19, walked from Le Puy in southern France to the Spanish city of Santiago de Compostela between April and July, taking 10 weeks.

They raised a pound for every mile walked, contributing £1,000 for St Paul's Church in St Paul's Hill, Winchester, which is raising money for urgently needed roof repairs.

Philip Seal, son of the church's rector Peter Seal, described why the gap-year students decided to take the trip.

He said: "We enjoy walking and outdoor activities, and also felt we wanted a spiritual adventure, so decided on a pilgrimage of some kind.

"We looked at the traditional medieval pilgrimage trails and decided on Santiago. It is a massive thing, with lots of people taking part from across the world.

During the trip, the group overcame numerous challenges, including dealing with sickness, a foot infection and sleeping in dormitories with up to 100 other travellers.

Mr Seal said: "It's hard to summarise the experience. The whole way of life, with your possessions on your back and moving from place to place was a refreshing change. That was definitely the high point.

"Living with and getting to know the other lads was the biggest challenge but one that we relished."

As reported in July, St Paul's Church has embarked on a major fund-raising campaign to repair the roof of the church, setting a target of £220,000. They have already received a £137,000 boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

After having arrived back from their epic trek, the students are taking a deserved break before starting university in September.

The fund-raising for the church will continue with a jazz concert on Saturday, August 23, featuring the Trilbies, Hampshire undergraduates studying at Exeter University. For more information, contact Peter Seal on 01962 844878.