THOUSANDS of youngsters from across the country completed an incredible challenge with the sun on their backs, smiles on their faces and joy in their hearts last weekend. The hills of West Devon came alive in perfect conditions as 2,358 youngsters, aged between 14 and 19, completed one of the greatest challenges they are ever likely to face. The 47th annual Ten Tors challenge saw a throng of teenagers line up on Dartmoor at 7am on Saturday to embark on 35, 45 or 55 mile hikes, taking in ten different tors in the process. Military guns and trumpets resounded across the moor as the teams embarked on their quest, cheered on by parents, friends and well wishers. The weekend has been praised by the organisers as being exciting, relaxing and, most of all, joyful. Lieutenant Colonel Tony Clark, from the Okehampton camp where the event is based, said: 'There was so much joy, energy and enthusiasm but it was still a relaxed and fun event. 'It was one of the most exciting, relaxing and joyful Ten Tors I've enjoyed in my fifteen years. The whole event is about teamwork and working together and for the youngsters it is one of the most important accomplishments in their whole lives. 'They will remember this weekend forever and their future employers will recognise it as such a great achievement for the sheer guts and determination they have shown. 'The military set out to help them achieve their goals and to recognise the special qualities of Dartmoor because they will be the next custodians of the moor. 'There are such a mixture of emotions but such joy at the end of it. Long may it last and what a wonderful success it is for celebrating what youth truly is about.' Lt Col Clark praised the amount of effort and work that takes place behind the scenes, from the 1,000 military personnel, the team managers, Dartmoor National Park and many others. The event is not only about the teams on the moor working together, but also the countless operations taking place behind the scenes, which rely on incredible amounts of teamwork, co-operation and communication. The Ten Tors also becomes a vital part of military training especially for the implementation of contingency plans in an operational role during civilian emergencies. After last year's wash out, when youngsters were airlifted from the moor by the military, the 43 Wessex Brigade later used the same techniques in aiding the public during the floods across the South West in 2007. The teams from Okehampton College made it back, bruised and blistered, but in one piece. The team taking on the 35 mile challenge were the first team on their route to reach the eighth tor and the first to make it back to camp, arriving at 10.30am on the Sunday morning. The 45 and 55 mile teams came in at 1.31pm and 4.21pm respectively. It was a family affair for the Okehampton teams with three members of the Yell family taking part and two members of the Bullingham, Heard and Aylen families. Okehampton College team manager, Arron Wilson, said: 'Apart from blisters and some sunburn they were mainly tired and weary, but very pleased to succeed. 'The biggest thing was the heat but they gelled as a team and showed great confidence. It was a good weekend.' Okehampton county councillor, Christine Marsh, who was there for the start, added: 'It was brilliant. 'Yet again it was successful and if it wasn't for the army we wouldn't have it — the organisation is phenomenal. 'The opportunity for youngsters' team building and confidence are fantastic, it is good for the town and a huge thank you has to go to the army.' Cllr Marsh and Lt Col Clark both commented that the most moving, humbling and amazing part of the day is watching the disabled youngsters take part in the Jubilee Challenge. Lt Col Clark said: 'The 250 youngsters who took part in the Jubilee Challenge are magical and incredible people. 'It is incredible what they can achieve.'
