YOUNGSTERS from across Weymouth pulled on their hiking boots and braved the wilds in the annual Ten Tors challenge.

Pupils from Budmouth and Wey Valley joined teams from all over Britain as they converged on Dartmoor to take part in the two-day 45-mile and 35-mile courses through punishing terrain.

Keith Eagleton, secretary of the Dorset Expeditionary Society, which led the Wey Valley teams said: "The Dorset Expeditionary Society fielded two teams that successfully completed the 35 and 45 mile courses.

"They spent two days on the moor, camping over-night, and calling at check-points at ten tors on the way.

"Although the event takes place in May, the weather is notoriously fickle at this time of the year, and conditions can vary from blistering heat to driving rain or even snow.

"They were fortunate with the weather this year, although the punishing terrain of the moors took its toll on their energy and feet.

"Nevertheless determination won through and both teams completed the course."

The Budmouth team leader, maths teacher Rob Miles, said: "The kids who took part have been in training since October and I was very proud of their achievement in taking up the ten tors challenge.

"One of our teams didn't manage to complete the course after they ran into some difficulties - but they both did really brilliantly."