Despite poor weather Ottery scouts and explorers completed the gruelling Ten Tors Challenge on Dartmoor last weekend.

They set off on the two-day trek in ‘some of the worst conditions the event has seen for many years’, according to leader John Green.

He said the Ten Tors was the culmination of six months of training for the young people, who showed ‘real commitment and determination’ to finish.

One of the Ottery explorers, Robert Johnstone, said: “On Saturday morning we had to wade across the river in water up to our thighs so we were soaked through for the rest of the day!”

Members of the scout group took part in both the 35, 45 and 55- mile versions of the event, where the youngsters, unaided, follow a route across Dartmoor visiting various checkpoints.

Mr Green paid tribute to Paul Lambell, the East Devon explorers team manager, and his team of adults who have also spent the last six months helping.

“It is a testament to the quality of the training they have received that all our explorers managed to cope with the conditions and got home safely,” he added.