A TEAM from Australia will be taking part in the Ten Tors Challenge on Dartmoor, which gets underway this weekend.

Members from 316 Squadron Australian Air Force Cadets have travelled halfway across the globe to compete in the event which sets off from Okehampton this Saturday. It is the first time an Australian team has participated.

Ten Tors was established in 1959 by three Army officers, and is held on Dartmoor every May. Starting at Okehampton Army Camp, 2,400 young people consisting of 400 teams of six set off on a two-day challenging hike of 35, 45 or 55 miles.

Two days of hiking through muddy vales and over rugged tors, would be a challenge for anyone. The Australian youngsters will be walking in unfamiliar terrain with weather that is far removed from the glorious sunshine they are familiar with. Taking part is not a trivial undertaking and serious training has been in place, prior to the team?s arrival here in the UK.

Hosted by the Plymouth and Cornwall Wing Air Cadets, who are also entering teams, the youngsters will be visiting places of interest and enjoying planned social activities such as a traditional British barbecue.

Entering a team in each of the 35-mile and 45-mile events, members from the Australian team are confident they can show the Brits how it should be done, and look forward to the challenge ahead.

David Harris, Army press officer, said the Armed Forces derived great satisfaction from organising the Ten Tors Challenge which gave young people an appreciation of Dartmoor. ?The preparations are going extremely well. An enormous amount of preparation goes into an event like this to make sure it goes right.

?We are looking forward to another splendid Ten Tors. The weather looks ideal. The forecast is for it to be sunny but not too hot and with a good breeze. Ideal conditions for walking on Dartmoor.?

Major General Nick Cottam, general officer commanding the Army?s 5th Division, will flag away the young people taking part in the Ten Tors challenge early on Saturday morning.

As well as the main event, the Jubilee Challenge for 150 less-abled youngsters ? many in wheelchairs ? will see them start out as individuals or in teams on their own routes of up to 15 miles, each youngster accompanied by an officer cadet from Exeter University.

The event is organised by the Army?s 43 Wessex Brigade with assistance from the Royal Navy, RAF and emergency services, including the Dartmoor Rescue Group and civilian police ? almost 500 personnel in all.