POLICE from Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary took on the Commando Challenge in aid of Devon Air Ambulance and injured Royal Marines.

POLICE from Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary took on the Commando Challenge in aid of Devon Air Ambulance and injured Royal Marines.

Fundraising PC’s and PCSO’s hope to have raised hundreds of pounds for charity, and, as thIs picture by photographer for the day Sam Turner shows- they found the gruelling mission quite arresting.

Ottery PC Dave Smith came up with the idea of taking on the challenge and was joined by colleagues including Sidmouth Sergeant Andy Turner.

“We would like to thank all those who supported us either by cheering us on or sponsoring us,” said PS Turner. “It goes without saying that both charities were extremely worthy. The work of the Air Ambulance is seen by all of us on a regular basis. Several of us are ex servicemen or have connections to the Royal Marines so we know how important it is to support them at this time. We found the humour of the Marines to be a particular motivator.

“You couldn’t see your hand in front your face in the tunnels. The water tunnels were interesting, I am sure someone told them we were police, as they seemed in no hurry to pull us through. All in all we all found it great fun, and a huge sense of achievement. Like everyone else who did it, the important thing was to raise money for charity.”

Cash raised from this year’s event will go to The C Group, which supports the rehabilitation and re-integration of injured and wounded Royal Marines, and Devon Air Ambulance.