RUCKSACKS are being packed by intrepid young people all over the country as they prepare to face the challenging test of the rough Dartmoor terrain in the 44th annual Ten Tors Challenge.

The event will see thousands of youngsters converge on Okehampton Camp to set off across the wilds of Dartmoor early on Saturday morning (May 15).

Major General Nick Cottam, general officer commanding the Army?s 5th Division, will flag away the 2,400 participants in 400 teams on a trek over 35, 45 or 55 miles according to age.

The teams must make an overnight stop, and the Army stress the aim is to complete the challenge, not race it, for above all Ten Tors is a test of self-will and determination against the odds.

Following the start of the main event, some 150 less able-bodied youngsters will start, as individuals or teams, on their own routes of up to 15 miles in the well-established Jubilee Challenge.

Many of the children taking part are in wheelchairs and will each be accompanied by a cadet from Exeter University Officer Training Corps.

The expedition is once again 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 ? nearly 500 personnel in total.

Ten Tors Director and Brigade Commander, Brigadier Richard Cary, said: ?Ten Tors teams have been training hard in the last few weeks and making a very serious effort.

?Some of them will be walking as far as 55 miles and their welfare and safety is paramount.

?We are confident that the message for proper training and good knowledge of essential safety rules have reached everyone,? he said.

?Jubilee Challenge teams have worked equally thoroughly for an event which will put similar demands on every one of them.?

Brigadier Cary said: ?The Army invests an enormous amount of time, energy and resources, both human and infrastructure, to get it exactly right and ensure all have an enjoyable and rewarding weekend.?

He said he hoped too, that the event continues to provide an appreciation of ?this marvellous national park? with its beauty and wilderness.

?Now all we need is the right weather ? not too hot, wet or windy. And I look forward to meeting the participants at the finish line.?

All teams were required to undertake vigorous preparatory training.

In January, their managers attended a weekend course designed to focus on vagaries of the Dartmoor climate and re-inforce stringent equipment requirements.

Entrants must be self-supporting and carry their food, water, bedding, tents and rubbish bags.