PLEAS for Okehampton to become more involved in the Ten Tors Expedition have been heard by Okehampton Town Council.

Over the past three years secretary of Ten Tors, Major Mike Pether, has been appealing to the town's chamber of trade to play a part in the annual event which attracts more than 2,000 youngsters each year but there has not been a great deal of interest.

In his preparations for the 2003 Ten Tors, Major Pether has written to the town council because he said he was still hopeful that the town of Okehampton would 'support the event in a more constructive and beneficial way'.

Mayor Christine Marsh believes this can be achieved: 'The chamber has been asked to get involved with the engraving of medals but it turned down the request,' she told fellow members this week.

'I think it is very shortsighted of them because Major Pether is very keen to get involvement from the town. On the last occasion when he wrote he did not even get a reply.'

Cllr Marsh said this involvement would not necessarily cost a lot of money and suggested that maybe the numbers on the youngsters' clothing could also have the Okehampton town crest printed on them.

Town clerk John Winchester said he had spoken to one trader in the town who indicated that setting up a stall selling outdoor equipment and clothing at Okehampton Camp was a waste of time.

'He told me the youngsters are kitted out by the time they arrive in Okehampton for the challenge and he also said that people were discouraged from coming down into the town,' said Mr Winchester.

'Once the young people start the challenge their families go back to the B&Bs or follow them by road.'

Cllr Sylvia Westlake said years ago the town had been rejected when it tried to get involved and it did not forget a 'snub' that easily.

But Cllr Marsh said times had changed and a new person was now running the show.

The military, like local government, was adopting a new open attitude, added Mr Winchester, who worked in military security for most of his career.

'In the past the public have been discouraged at these sort of military-organised events because of terrorism.'

Cllr Mike Roberts said perhaps the banners in the town could be changed to publicise Ten Tors each May.

It was agreed to invite Major Pether to talk to the council and it was also suggested that the outlying parishes could get involved too.