Torquay Girls Grammar School B Team, the first all-female team to finish the 2015 Ten Tors Challenge. Photo: Corporal Daniel Wiepen

Thousands of young people will take part in the annual Ten Tors challenge across Dartmoor this weekend.

The Army-organised event involves small self-sufficient teams spending two days walking across the wilds of the national park.

Dartmoor National Park Authority said it has been working closely with the Army and team managers to ensure that the event has minimum impact on the fabric of the moor and its wildlife. National park rangers and voluntary wardens will be on hand throughout the weekend to monitor and provide support, it added.

Authority chairman Peter Harper, who has been Ten Tors team leader for 20 years, said: “Dartmoor National Park Authority has for many years worked closely with the organisers, landowners and commoners to minimise the environmental impact of the Ten Tors challenge and to maximise the local economic benefits of event.

“Ten Tors and the associated Jubilee Challenge provide a unique opportunity for young people to experience Dartmoor’s special qualities and the challenge of the natural environment.

“The authority also recognises that all the training beforehand, as well the event itself, can help foster a passion in young people to help look after this very special place. I know from personal experience how challenging the six months of training and the event itself can be and it is a real pleasure to see the participants gain in confidence and team work grow during their training.

“It will be great to see the beaming smiles of all team members as they cross the Ten Tors finishing line, tired but very proud of what they have achieved.

“We wish all those taking part in Ten Tors and Jubilee Challenge 2016 the very best.”