FORTY-two students from Ivybridge Community College overcame the many challenges of Dartmoor as participants and helpers in last weekend’s Ten Tors.

This year the college entered a total of six teams, although three were under the name of The Erme and Yealm Valley Hillwalking Club.

Four of the six-man teams took on the 35-mile route, with two teams completing the 45-mile route over the two days.

Six students also got to help the army at Okehampton Camp over the weekend.

More than 2,400 youngsters set off from near the camp at 7am on Saturday morning. Their task was to navigate the national park via different routes, but all had to check in at 10 nominated tors on the way. The challenge involves camping overnight, and no adult help or guidance is offered apart from the army’s supervision for safety purposes.

Last weekend saw relatively good conditions on the moors, mostly clear and sunny though with a strong wind.

The first team back was the Erme and Yealm 45 mile team, arriving just after 10am. They were followed quite quickly by the Erme and Yealm 35a and the Ivybridge 35a teams.

After a short break, the Ivybridge Community College 35b and Erme and Yealm 35b teams arrived. The Ivybridge Community College 45 mile team arrived back just before 4pm.

One student was unfortunately pulled out of the expedition by a medic on a check point, despite their protests.

The army made special recognition of the contribution of Jack Barker from Ivybridge over 43 years of voluntary service. Jack formed The Erme and Yealm Valley Hillwalking Club and has helped generations of youngsters from the Ivybridge area prepare for the event and enjoy the moors.

At a ceremony at the camp on Saturday night Jack, who received a standing ovation, was presented with a platinum award in recognition of his outstanding contribution by Colonel Toby Bridge, Commander Headquarters South West.

Jack said: ’I am very humbled and happy to have received this award. I am a keen walker myself covering five or six miles on the moors a day but have never taken part in the challenge.

’Training the youngsters keeps me fit and is a huge part of my life, I’m not sure what I’d do without it. The army is fantastic - I couldn’t fault them with their organisation of this event - thank you for my award.’