ONE of the largest orienteering events in the South West has taken place at Cookworthy Forest near Okehampton. The Caddihoe ?Chase This? weekend saw more than 400 competitors of all ages and abilities compete over two days. It was organised by Devon and Cornwall Orienteering Clubs with permission from the landowner, the Forestry Commission. Forestry Commission ranger Glyn Bradbury said: ?We were very pleased to be able to host this event and delighted to see so many people enjoying our forest. Anyone interested in having a go at orienteering could try out our new permanent course at Cookworthy Forest.? Roger Hargreaves, event organiser and newly elected chairman of the SE Orienteering Association said: ?We first came to Cookworthy in May of last year for a three-day event and it was so well received that we had to come back at the earliest opportunity.? Mr Hargreaves said it was a fitting location to host the 2007 SW Orienteering Championships. ?This forest has so many contrasts and different types of terrain,? he said. ?It is an interesting place to be.? While there are many categories in which to be a SW Champion the two notables in the longest course for men and women were Clive Hallet from Bristol and Michelle Spillar from Exeter. Details of the new course, open to everyone, are at orienteeringindevon.org.uk, or a map can be bought at Cookworthy Forest Centre on weekdays. RIGHT: Competitors log in and out.
