THERE was huge disappointment for the plucky members of the Mid Devon Explorer Scouts team which tackled the annual Ten Tors challenge last week, after two freak accidents affected the youngsters.

They had severe problems with one member of the team on their way to their first tor — Shilstone.

Paul Charlton, Mid Devon Explorer Scout commissioner said: 'He experienced breathing difficulties which meant that despite the rest of the team carrying his kit, numerous frequent "breather" stops and supporting him, the team were about two hours behind their ETA at Shilstone. 

'Needless to say he was retired off there and has subsequently visited his doctor, who diagnosed a suspected anxiety attack.'

Shortly after leaving Shilstone Tor another team member had a bad fall resulting in a suspected broken leg. 

Paul said: 'The medics on Shilstone Tor did a great job and arranged for them all to be air lifted off. 

'They advised the remaining four to retire seeing as they were so far behind with no team behind them. 

'Needless to say the entire team were devastated.  How unlucky can you get to have two totally unrelated incidents such as this?'

He said the girl who had injured her leg was treated 'wonderfully' at the medical centre at Okehampton Camp. She was subsequently x-rayed at Exeter which revealed a badly sprained knee and ankle.

Paul said ultimately, the high point of the team's Ten Tors experience was their flight in a helicopter.