Fair weather hopes for Ten Tors

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

Organisers are hoping for fine weather as the Ten Tors Challenge on Dartmoor gets under way.

400 teams of young people from across the country are taking part in the two-day feat of endurance in Devon.

Teams will walk 35, 45 or 55 miles, depending on age and ability. The annual event, organised by the army, has had mixed fortunes in recent years.

Last year it had to be abandoned due to heavy rain, and all the teams had to be evacuated from Dartmoor.

Severe weather

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 weekend, 18 people were airlifted off the moor in driving rains and strong winds. Three had minor injuries including a broken ankle.

This weekend, by contrast, the weather forecast is for bright sunshine and high temperatures.

There are about 2,400 young people taking part in teams of at least six. They range in age from 14 to 20.

This is the 48th year the event has taken place.