Thousands start on Ten Tors trek


There are 400 teams taking part in this year's event



More than 2000 young people have crossed the starting line in this year's Ten Tors Challenge on Dartmoor.
Four hundred teams from across the country are taking part in the two-day endurance event in Devon.
Teams will walk 35 45 or 55 miles between 10 nominated tors. The annual trek organised by the army has been beset by problems in recent years.
Last year it had to be abandoned due to heavy rain with all the teams evacuated from Dartmoor.
Self-sufficient
During one of the 2007 training weekends a 14-year-old girl died after being swept away by a swollen river.
Last month during another training session 18 people were airlifted off the moor in driving rain and strong winds. Three had minor injuries.
This weekend t he weather forecast is for bright sunshine and high temperatures.
There are about 2400 young people taking part in teams of at least six. They range in age from 14 to 20.
They are expected to be self-sufficient carrying everything they need to survive two days on the moor. Another 300 competitors are taking part in the Jubilee Challenge for young people with special physical or educational needs. They will cover distances from 7.5 to 15 miles.