POOR weather may have put off hundreds of people expected to join in the sponsored charity walk around Burrator Reservoir on Sunday for Shelterbox, but there was no dampening of the spirits of the many volunteers who took part. Tavistock Rotary Club, which organised the event in conjunction with the Cornish-based Shelterbox Trust, were hoping to raise thousands of pounds for the charity which gives practical help to victims of disasters from around the world. But after a week of sunshine and abnormally high spring temperatures, the organisers could not have anticipated the sustained downpour which swept over the moors on the day. It meant that from the 1,000 people expected to take part in the four-mile walk, just around 150 did so, but the back-up organisation could not have been faulted. Each Shelterbox, costing around £480, contains a rugged, all-weather tent, giving shelter and warmth to disaster victims, which include tools, cooking aids and water purification for ten people. Despite the numbers, after money collected and promises are taken into account, between £2,500 and £3,000 is expected to be raised. Rotary members from Tavistock, Yelverton, Saltram, Launceston and Plymouth Albion, stewarded the operation, along with volunteers from Dartmoor Search and Rescue Group, Tavistock Youth Committee, Shelterbox and other local organisations. Eight schools from Devon and Cornwall were expected to take part but in the end the stalwart pupils from Princetown Primary School were the only ones who did. Musical groups were planned to entertain the crowds but because of the weather only Tavistock-based Blowzone were there to play. Jackie Waddle, a Blowzone committee member, reflected the determination on the day to make the best of things when she said: 'We are so dedicated and committed to enjoy playing our music that we will turn up for any occasion.' A park and ride service, provided by C J Down Coaches of Mary Tavy, provided free transport from near Yelverton Rock to take participants down to the reservoir. Outdoor toilets were donated by Brandon Hire. Rama Nand-Lal, president of Tavistock Rotarians, praised the efforts of the Rotararians and all the other volunteers who turned out in force. He said: 'We thought we would have 1,000 people here today, especially as more than 350 had registered before the event, but the weather has taken its toll. Nevertheless, Shelterbox is a fantastic cause to raise money for and I am certain they will benefit from everyone's efforts today.' Among the stewards manning checkpoints were Gemma Glover, Abby Buckley, Lizzie Blowey and Antony Butcher of Tavistock Youth Committee. David Glover, secretary of Tavistock Rotary Club and the volunteer Shelterbox co-ordinator for West Devon, said: 'The day has been spoiled by the weather but it is a great cause and what it does to help people throughout the world is boundless. It is a charity where you know the money is going straight to the point of need and where overheads are kept to a minimum. 'We must remain positive. We have to sit down and reflect on how to make it a better event the next time, because we are sure we can turn this into an annual event.'