Autistic man's Ten Tors challenge

Teachers from the school will accompany Daniel on the trek

An autistic man who has limited sight in one eye is taking on part of the Ten Tors challenge as a thank you to the school that changed his life.

Daniel Pointon, 20, from Pontyberem, Carmarthenshire, is entering the final year at the West of England School in Exeter, Devon.

Born 12 weeks prematurely, he has learning difficulties and epilepsy.

On Saturday he will trek almost eight miles of rough terrain in Dartmoor to raise funds for the school.

"He travels to the school in Exeter as there is no local provision," said his mother Llinos Jones.

Her son has been a student there for the past eight years, and she described it was a "very special place" with staff who are "extremely positive and innovative".

"He has become a very confident young man and has achieved in every aspect of his life."

The event, now in its 48th year, sees teams, each consisting of at least six young people and ranging in age from 14 to 20, compete on 35, 45 and 55-mile (56, 72 and 88km) routes.