A TEAM of students sporting comedy moustaches walked 45 miles as part of the annual Ten Tors Challenge.

Two teams from Budmouth Technology College in Weymouth took part in the two-day expedition over the rugged and open terrain of Dartmoor in Devon.

They were among 400 teams to embark on this year’s Army-organised challenge, which was open to young people aged from 14 to 20.

Budmouth’s 45-mile team of Stuart McPhail, Elliot May, Oliver Whisker, Michael Powell, Ieuan Jeffcott and George Williams were among the first to complete the distance.

Sporting comedy moustaches, they came in with five hours to spare before the 5pm deadline.

Budmouth’s 35-mile team of Emily Boyce, Sam Davis, Brianna Fairbank, Ryan Scott, Jack Stone and Aaron Macrae, finished their route over some of Dartmoor’s highest tors at 2.55pm.

They descended from over 600 metres with huge grins and a banner in tribute to their team manager Mark Henman who will be stepping down next year after eight years training Budmouth Ten Tors teams.

The teams have been training in all weathers since November last year in preparation for the gruelling event.

The overnight challenge saw teams of six navigate their own way around courses of 35, 45 and 55 miles carrying all their essentials.

Mr Henman said: “There are few things more demanding or rewarding than the Ten Tors Challenge for both the students and the adults involved alike.

“There was a lump in my throat as our last team came in and I was able to make out what it said on their banner.

“I would like to thank everyone who has volunteered their time so generously over the years in support of these fantastic young people.”

Both Budmouth teams hope to continue training in order to complete even longer distances next year in honour of the Ten Tor’s 50th anniversary.

Earlier this month this dream received a welcome boost with a generous donation from local businessmen towards replacing equipment such as tents and cooking stoves.

Businessmen John Rashley and David Dunford presented the cheque for £125 to Mr Henman, Stuart McPhail, Emily Boyce and Jessica Benson.