It is not the first time that Jamie Neale has slept out in the open, or had to attempt to find his way to safety in unfamiliar territory.

A few years ago the 19-year-old completed his Duke of Edinburgh award, finding his way back to base camp after being left in Epping Forest, Essex, in one of the the quickest times his school has ever recorded.

During two weekends away he learnt about starting a fire using kindling and sticks, what he could eat in the wild and navigation tricks.

Keith Bennett, head of PE at Alexandra Park school, who led Mr Neale on his Duke of Edinburgh award, said: “Over two weekends in Epping Forest he was taught how to navigate using maps and we also spoke about using the stars.

“He put his tent up but he chose to sleep outside under the stars, he was that kind of kid. We spoke about what was good to eat in the wild and how to make a fire.

“He tried to rub two sticks together and use kindling and he was fantastic, he was well up for the challenge.”

During the expedition the pupils are dropped off at one point and have to make their way back to base via a series of check points.

“Jamie covered the ground in one of the fastest times we have ever had. He is the type of kid who loves being outdoors, it wouldn’t surprise me if he was a big Bear Grylls fan.

“When I heard that he was missing I was very concerned but there was a part of me that thought if anyone was going to cope in that environment then it would be Jamie.”

His family describe him as being “resourceful” and “strong willed” but the teenagers biggest asset appears to be his inability to feel the cold.

Iraj Felfeli, assistant head teacher at his former school, said: “On cold days in the winter he would be wearing a t-shirt and we would all be in gloves and coats and he would say he was really hot.

“The first thing we all thought when we heard he was lost and it was freezing conditions is that ‘he will be fine in the cold’. If you could imagine someone doing alright in those conditions it would be Jamie.

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