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HUNDREDS of young people from across Somerset spent last weekend taking part in the annual two-day Ten Tors walk over Dartmoor.

Up to 2,400 youngsters took up the challenge, which was abandoned halfway through last year because of heavy rain.

The Army began escorting hundreds of teenagers off the moor at first light on the Sunday morning, with Sea King helicopters from RNAS Yeovilton joining the operation.

This year the 400 teams of six young people, ranging in age from 14 to 20, competed on 35, 45 and 55-mile routes. The challenge started on Saturday morning from an area of flat land next to Anthony Stile, close to Okehampton Camp on the northern edge of Dartmoor.

Stuart Rance, from Ladymead Old Boys, said: "Everyone was relieved to experience wonderful weather during the two-day trek, especially after the disappointment of last year.

"A number of students emphasised their desire and commitment to the event by returning this year just to prove that they could complete the expedition in full."

Claire Hull's son Edward took part in the Ten Tors in The Castle School team.

She said: "The school team's performance in the Ten Tors challenge was quite remarkable.

"At one point the team were considerably behind time, and in spite of soaring temperatures and carrying heavy backpacks, and having just walked 35 miles, the team members all found the strength to run the last kilometre to the finish.

"And they made it through with only one minute to spare before the 5pm deadline."

8:18pm Friday 16th May 2008

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