OVER the weekend of May 7 and 8, six pupils from St Joseph’s School, Launceston took part in the demanding and physically testing Ten Tors Challenge.

The team completed the 35-mile trek over Dartmoor carrying up to 15kg of tents, bedding, food, water, clothing and equipment.

The team, comprising of Michael Barton, Harvey Fry, Oliver James, Tamsin Harvey, Robert Stockdale and Chris Thorns set off from Okehampton Camp on Saturday morning at 7am. They reached their eighth tor in record time on Saturday evening, where they set up camp as this was the furthest point they were allowed to travel before nightfall.

An early start on Sunday saw the team set off in good spirits for the final leg of this grueling challenge. Thanks to the school’s Ten Tors organiser Mr Matthews and the use of social media, parents were able to follow the progress of the intrepid team, ensuring many proud parental smiles and cheers greeted the team when they completed the arduous trek back to base at 9.47am.

Mr Sam Matthews, team manager and teacher at St Joseph’s School said: “I am delighted with the performance of our six pupils who have trained hard over the last eight months.

“Although the event is not a race they were the 14th team to finish out of over 400 and were first on their route by a long way. They should all be extremely proud of themselves.” Mr Matthews said this, of course, extends to all of those throughout the process, even those who narrowly missed out on selection for the final team.

Ten Tors is organised for young people by the Army and is assisted by The Royal Navy, The Royal Air Force and the Dartmoor Rescue Group.

More than 400 teams, each made up of six teenagers, took part in the 35, 45 or 55-mile events, which took place over two days.

The pupils had to reach 14 checkpoints during their journey over Dartmoor, experiencing at first hand the beauty, challenges and weather that make Dartmoor so unique.

The team expressed thanks to Mr Sam Matthews for his leadership and the fantastic voluntary support from Mr Brown Cardoo, Mr Paul Hine and all the staff and parents who have supported and contributed to the training over the past eight months.

A school spokesperson said:?“Their success is a huge credit to all involved, and the skills and memories they take from the weekend will remain with them for many years to come.