Chinese children climb 70m ladder to reach school

A number of school children in China face a risky ordeal each morning just to reach their classroom, as they are forced to climb a 70-metre ladder without a safety harness.

Pupils at the education institution in Hunan Province must carry their bags as the make the steep ascent in time for their lessons.

There is no road access between the school and homes in the local area, which is the reason for the wooden ladders being installed.

One of the young children at the school is quoted by the Metro as saying: "It makes my leg shiver. I dare not look down when I am climbing up now because I am so frightened."

Sometimes, dogs are taken to school and they must also make the climb on the ladders.

The task facing the youngsters every day could well make some Britons think the next time they are moaning about their own commute to work in the UK.