THE Ten Tors Challenge is one of the toughest youth events in the country — and students at Shebbear College have started their training early to prepare for the event.

The group of students took part in a walk on November 10 to demonstrate the value and safety of staying on tracks as opposed to give in to temptation and crossing open moorland, which can leave to hazards like bogs and trip hazards.

The group started at Okehampton Camp and walked a distance of over ten miles, taking in East Mill Tor, West Mill Tor, Yes Tor, High Willhays, Dinger Tor, Oke Tor and Belstone Tor. This walk took just over five hours, during which the weather conditions were excellent.

The group kept a close eye on their location throughout the day and took bearings when necessary.

The Ten Tors Challenge, along with the training and preparation that it requires, is an experience which allows the pupils to learn valuable lessons in organisation, dedication and self-discipline.

The 2014 challenge will undergo the biggest change to the event in years, with route changes designed to improve safety and resilience.

The changes see youngsters taking on fewer river crossings, and should reduce the need for air support in bad weather.

The changes come following the mass evacuation during storms at the 2007 event.

The Army hopes that the changes will preserve and evolve the challenge, and insure it can go ahead for years to come.