TWO teams from Dulverton Junior School completed this year’s Exmoor Youth Challenge, organised by Exmoor Rotary.

They were among 121 junior (under-14s) and seven senior (under-17s) teams taking part from 37 different schools and organisations.

The six-hour challenge route across a south eastern area of Exmoor is not marked, making it essential for the children taking part to have map-reading and compass skills.

The teams pass a series of checkpoints and each leg has to be completed in a pre-determined time, with points deducted if they arrive too early or too late.

Youngsters who become tired or lag too much are pulled out of the challenge for their safety.

The route started and finished at Dulverton Junior School but had to be amended this year due to the flood damage to the ancient Tar Steps stone crossing on the River Barle, meaning the youngsters had to cross via an upstream footbridge.

With perfect weather conditions for the event, both Dulverton teams completed the 16.8-mile challenge course in record time.

The teams of four finished ‘tired but elated’ as they received their medals at the finish line.

The pupils taking part were Annabelle, Freddie, William, Isabel, Summer, Bodhi, Martha, and Chloe.

A school spokeswoman said: “We are immensely proud of them all.”

Funds raised from this year’s challenge went to the Children’s Hospice South West.

Dulverton Junior School and All Saints Church of England Infants and Little Owls Nursery are part of The Exmoor Federation working in partnership with the Moorland Federation, which has six schools in Cutcombe, Dunster, Exford, Porlock, Timberscombe, and Langford Budville.