THE survival skills of four West Devon police officers will be put to the test in April when they take part in the ShelterBox Challenge writes Lindsay Bright. Tavistock-based police community support officers Rob Walsh and Mark Canvin, both 47, special constable Jim Brokensha, 25, and PC Dave Pickles, 44, are aiming to raise £1,000 for the charity and are appealing for sponsorship. The quartet, who are all part of the neighbourhood beat team for the area, will be competing against hundreds of other groups when they carry the box, and all its contents, 30 miles across Dartmoor. PCSO Walsh, who is part of the Horrabridge neighbourhood beat team, said the group was feeling quite confident about the event, which they policed last year. He said: 'We are looking forward to testing ourselves against the gruelling landscape and unpredictable elements of the moor, whilst raising money for a worthy cause.' The charity provides boxes of essential survival equipment, including a tent, bed, cooking equipment and water purification kit, to help people directly affected by natural and other disasters. The two-day adventure challenge on April 26 and 27 will see teams of four navigate their way across Dartmoor. Each team must deliver a loaded ShelterBox to its final location in the shortest time possible, using only their skills and the contents of the box to survive. Anyone who would like to sponsor the team on the ShelterBox Challenge should make cheques payable to PCSO Walsh and send them to Tavistock Police Station.