TEN people from Okehampton, who have physical and learning difficulties, successfully achieved the expedition section of their Silver Gateway Award when they completed a major challenge across land and water.

With support from staff at Devon County Council's Puzzletree day service in Okehampton, the group hiked two and a half miles across rough terrain, laden with backpacks, before canoeing or wheelie boating across Roadford Lake.

The group set up camp, prepared and cooked their food and stayed the night in yurts before repeating the journey home the following day.

The Mencap Gateway initiative is similar to the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and has three levels, bronze, silver and gold. Most of the group who achieved silver this time, had already attained their bronze award.

County Council's Cabinet member responsible for Adult and Community Services, Cllr Stuart Barker, said: 'Congratulations to the whole team.

'Achieving this award shows tremendous spirit and endurance, and commitment to succeed.'