'RARING to go' — that's the attitude of Army organisers of the great Ten Tors Challenge, which starts from Okehampton Camp next weekend.

The event will see thousands of youngsters converge on the area to take part in the annual adventure over the rugged terrain of Dartmoor — an experience denied last year due to the foot and mouth crisis.

David Harris, Army spokesman, said: 'It's all systems go. We are particularly looking forward to this year's event, because of the enforced cancellation through foot and mouth last year.

'It's going to be a great Ten Tors — we are really raring to go.'

Some 2,400 young people competing in 400 teams will take part in the moorland trek of 34, 45 or 55 miles according to their age, including an overnight camp.

They will be officially set off on their challenge by General John Kiszely, Commander, Reserve Forces, at 7am on Saturday May 11.

Following this, around 200 less able-bodied youngsters, many in wheelchairs, will begin their own routes of up to eleven miles on the Jubilee Challenge, each one accompanied by an officer cadet from Exeter University.

Ten Tors is organised by the Army's 43 Wessex Brigade, with help from the Royal Navy, RAF and emergency services including Dartmoor Rescue Group and civilian police.

'We're bringing in some 500 or so service personnel,' said Mr Harris.

Okehampton Camp will be transformed into a tented village, as the teams begin to arrive from about midday next, ready for the start of the trek the next day.

Brigadier Rod Brummitt, Ten Tors director and brigade commander, said: 'Ten Tors teams have been training hard in the last few weeks and making a very serious effort.

'Some of them will be walking as far as 55 miles and their welfare and safety is paramount. We are confident that the message for proper training and good knowledge of essential safety rules has got to everyone.

'Jubilee Challenge teams have worked equally thoroughly for an event which will put similar demands on every one of them.'

Brigadier Brummitt said the army had invested an enormous amount in terms of time, personnel, resources and infrastructure to get the Ten Tors 'exactly right'.

'Now all we need is the right weather — not too hot, wet or windy,' he said.

Christine Marsh, mayor of Okehampton, said she was glad to see Ten Tors taking place once more — an event which pinpointed the town on the map.