A RECORD amount of army cadets from Okehampton are off to Spain this weekend to take part in their silver Duke of Edinburgh Award challenge.
Richard Boyce, Fred Sobey, Ricky Moore, Simon O'Hora and Roy McIntyre, who are all between 15 and 16 years old, will spend a three-day expedition in the mountain range of Los Picos.
Each of the senior cadets has raised £180 to take part and been in training for several months. All boys have completed their bronze award, which was carried out locally.
Civilian assistant for the Okehampton army cadets Maureen Sobey said it had been a couple of years since anyone from the cadets had done their silver Duke of Edinburgh Award and this was the biggest group ever to attempt the challenge at the same time.
'The silver award has to be carried out abroad and the challenge will be tough for the boys because the terrain is difficult and they have to do all their own cooking and support themselves for three days,' she said.
An emergency back-up vehicle, supplied by the army, will be on hand should the youngsters get into any problems.
Okehampton's army cadet force is going from strength to strength with 25 members at the moment and a strong leadership.
The group meets on Tuesdays at 7pm at the ATC hut in Tors Road and youngsters can join at the age of 13.
Activities range from walking and abseiling to canoeing and first aid with several camps per year and opportunities to gain badges.
For further information you can go along to one of the evening sessions or ring Mrs Sobey on 01837 840249.