YOUNGSTERS from Horrabridge and Princetown youth clubs were rewarded this week for their efforts in the Dartmoor Youth Challenge.

On Tuesday those who took part were given awards at a special ceremony at the High Moorland Visitor Centre in Princetown.

• YOUNGSTERS from two youth groups in West Devon walked a total of 16 miles recently, to raise money for their respective clubs.

Some 44 young people from Horrabridge and Princetown youth groups took part in a fundraising event, organised by three local police officers who named it the Dartmoor Youth Challenge.

Around two years ago the four policemen completed the ShelterBox Challenge and wanted to do the same thing again — but for local youngsters.

PCSO Rob Walsh, one of the organisers, said: 'We wanted to do something along the same lines as the challenge but raise money locally. We decided to raise money for the two local youth clubs — and then the concept was born.'

The event took place in September and saw each group walk over the moors, undertaking a variety of missions and challenges along the way, organised by local authorities.

Charlotte Carpenter, youth worker for Horrabridge, said: 'The weekend was a huge success — we had 44 young people walking across the moor, which was a fantastic achievement, and shows that there are young people out there who do care about their community and who will rise to the challenge.

'The young people were all taking part to raise money for their youth clubs, which highlights the need to keep these village youth clubs open.

'I would like to say a big thank you to the police, especially PC Dave Pickles, PCSO Rob Walsh and PCSO Mark Canvin for coming up with the idea and for working so hard to ensure the weekend was a success.'

The route went from each youth centre — so Horrabridge youngsters walked to Princetown and the youth from Princetown walked to Horrabridge Youth Club.

Charlotte added: 'The fire service provided the first team challenge. This was to use planks of wood and tyres to create a bridge over an imaginary river — the young people had to work as a team to get everyone across the river safely without touching the ground.

'After King's Tor we had our second challenge provided, by Dartmoor Rescue Group. This was to carry a stretcher, which DRG use for rescues — however, instead of a person it had three containers of water strapped to it.

'The teams had to negotiate a course going up and down hill while keeping as much of the water in the containers as possible.

'The whole weekend was excellent and we had such great weather. I am so chuffed that we managed to get so many kids involved, especially on a walk.'

After the groups got to their destination they stayed there for the evening and then walked the same route back the following day.

PC Dave Pickles said: 'The challenge involved five multi-agency meetings over five months.

'This was something for the community young and old to feel proud about what they are doing.

'It gives them a boost and helps them raise much needed money for the youth clubs.

'It was a great event and most of the children gained a lot from it. One kid said it was the best thing they had ever done.

'This was something enjoyed by all — the youngsters loved it and they have managed to raise money for their own causes.'

The organisers said they would like to pay tribute to the many groups and businesses that suported the Dartmoor Youth Challenge so generously.