Teenagers Ten Tors Triumph

Thousands of young people from across the South West took on the Army's annual Ten Tors Challenge on Dartmoor this weekend.

2,400 younsters set-off on routes of either 35, 45 or 55 miles on Saturday morning.

Only 156 had to pull out of the event, suffering from a mixture of cuts, bruises or the affects of the elements.

The event - organised by 43 (Wessex) Brigade - starts and finishes at Okehampton Camp and is now in its 51st year. It is one of the biggest adventure challenges for young people in Britain today.

After taking on some of the toughest terrain in England, 28th Kingswood Scouts from Downend in Bristol were first to cross the finish line at 0834 hrs on Sunday morning, having walked 45 miles.

28th Kingswood Scouts

 

 

 

Even though the event is not classified as a race but a test of endurance.

Brigadier Steve Hodder

 

 

 

Maynard School Exeter were one of a number of all-girl teams to finish Ten Tors, having completed 45 miles.

Team leader Bryony Alford 

 

 

 

Saturday afternoon saw 285 less able bodied youngsters - many in wheelchairs or on trikes - from 35 schools across the region complete the annual Jubilee Challenge. They finished routes of up to 14 miles either as a team or as individuals. Each were accompanied by an Officer Cadet from Exeter University Officer Training Corps

During an emotional awards ceremony afterwards, the youngsters received their medals from Defence Minister Andrew Robathan MP.