Sebastian Green, 18, who comes from Dorset, was the subject of a high-profile rescue after an ill-advised beach exploit which saw him being winched by helicopter out of waist-high mud.

The escapade involved inshore lifeboats, the auxiliary coastguard and the coastguard helicopter, and Sebastian spent the night in hospital.

The hiker, who is taking on the trek as part of his Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award, camped overnight in the grounds of Eastbourne College and met students at the college who are also participating in the DofE scheme.

George Collier is development officer for the Duke of Edinburgh Awards in East Sussex.

He said, "Seb's trek is inspirational. He has turned things round from earlier problems and is giving something back to the people and organisations involved in his own rescue."

Sebastian's journey is to draw attention to sea safety among youngsters after teenage boys in Dorset died in a similar incident to that which saw Sebastian being pulled from trouble.