SIMON Dell, the compiler of the informative and colourful guide 'Ten Tors - the Dartmoor Challenge', has more experience than most in this unique annual event.

To use an American phrase, 'you should walk the walk before you talk the talk' — that can certainly be said of the former West Devon policeman, who is well qualified to put together this well researched and presented guide, which celebrates the history of Ten Tors.

As a cadet in Exeter School's Combined Cadet Force, Simon took part and twice completed the 35-mile route twice, before, in 1975, finishing the 45-mile route. Such was his fascination with this organised 'yomp' across the wild and windswept moorland that he was delighted and honoured to become director of Ten Tors on its 50th anniversary year.

'I look back with pride on how we learnt how to cope with a waterlogged moor and the horrendous weather conditions of 1974 — we learnt how to look after each other and how to work together as a team.

'As an individual I learnt that with determination and thorough preparation and training, anything was possible,' said Simon.

This book is packed with a fascinating number of accounts of those who have either participated themselves or from various individuals, who, just as importantly, volunteer their time to organise such a large, scale event to ensure the safety of those taking part.

Since its inception by Captain John Joiner of the Junior Leaders' Regiment based at Denbury Camp near Newton Abbot in 1960 the Ten Tors has attracted thousands of adventurous young people, who have gained so much from being put to the test in a well organised, but no less demanding, event.

This book packs so much in its 64 pages with a foreword by current director of Ten Tors Brigadier Steve Hodder, features on the vagaries of the Dartmoor weather, the Search and Rescue Dogs Association, the Dartmoor Rescue Group, Devon Air Ambulance, Dartmoor National Park and so much more. There is even a poem or two.

Whether you are a former Ten Tors participant yourself, a young person who would like to know what sort of challenge they are about to embark on or just somebody, like myself, who is a fan of the Ten Tors watching the event on a television from the comfort of my home - this is well worth £2.95.

Profit from the sale of this book is being donated to the Search and Rescue Dogs of the Dartmoor Rescue Group.

n Simon will be signing copies of the book at Book Stop in Tavistock from 10am until noon on Saturday November 27.

JOHN?HUTCHINS