AROUND 2,400 youngsters from across the region will descend on Dartmoor this weekend to take part in this year's Ten Tors and Jubilee challenges.

The annual Army-run event, now in its 55th year, is one of the biggest and toughest adventure challenges for young people in Britain. The challenge starts bright and early on Saturday from Okehampton camp, where teams of six, ranging in age from 14 to 19, will make the start of their respective journeys.

As well as the 2,400 youngsters partaking in the Ten Tors challenge, a further 300 youngsters with physical or educational needs will be taking part in the Jubilee Challenge.

The majority of the teams who enter Ten Tors are from schools and youth groups from Bristol, Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Gloucestershire, Somerset and Wiltshire. As usual, scores of scout groups, sports and ramblers teams and Armed Forces cadet units have accepted the challenge and are taking part.

Those teenagers taking on the Ten Tors challenge will trek unaided over 35, 45 or 55 miles of some of the toughest terrain and highest peaks in Southern England relying on their navigational skills and carrying all their food, water, bedding, tents and other essentials as they go.

It is a feat they must complete as a team and without any help from adults and teams remain entirely self-sufficient during their arduous expeditions, including camping out overnight on the moor.