PUPILS were left devastated after their dream trip to South Africa was cancelled at the last minute.

About 25 students from Argoed High School, Mynydd Isa, had arranged to go on the trip to help coach sports for children aged four-18.

The staff and year 10 pupils were set to leave yesterday to coach local children, but once they arrived at the airport they were unable to get on their plane due to an administrative error involving a solicitor.

The trip had been planned for 18 months and the students took part in a variety of fundraising activities to raise funds to purchase equipment while they were over there.

One mum, who did not want to be named, said not only are the children devastated by the error, the staff are too, and they have worked hard to make a difference.

She added: “It’s not just our children that have missed out, it’s also the children in South Africa.

“The school have gone above and beyond trying to get the children there.”

She also told the Leader that staff are trying to re-arrange the trip for the end of August, but this is dependent on flight availability.

The solicitor was approached by the Leader but declined to comment on the matter.