AFTER being defeated by horrendous weather conditions last year, John of Gaunt pupils battled more high winds and rain to successfully complete the 35-mile Ten Tors Challenge this year.

The school had two teams attempting to take on the 35 and 45-mile treks across Dartmoor last year, but both failed to make it to the end due to injuries and navigational problems.

However, this year’s team of six - Charlotte Phillips, Peter Moody, Lucy Jackson, Ezra Hawkins, Ben King and Matt Pullen – completed the epic challenge with an hour and a half left to spare over the weekend of May 9-10.

“We had both teams drop out last year, which was unfortunately due to the terrible weather conditions that had an impact on the teams, but I was confident that we would do it this year,” said John of Gaunt teacher Stuart Gray, who was team manager.

“The group finished with an hour and a half to spare - dealt with the high winds, driving rain, mist and the usual hostile Dartmoor terrain, which includes bogs, tussocks, marshes and river crossings.

“They carried about 20 kilos of camping gear each and navigated for 21 hours of hiking covering 37-38 miles with map and compass only.

“The group were a credit to themselves and our school, achieving something which required huge determination, organisation, teamwork, navigational skill and camp craft techniques and much physical strength.”

He also paid a special tribute to team members Charlotte and Lucy, who became the first ever girls from John of Gaunt School to complete the event, according to Mr Gray.

Mr Gray added: “This was an emotional success after an intense period of training, as one student crossed the finishing line crying with elation at their achievement.”

“The huge crowds clapped as they went over the line, and proud parents also shed tears of admiration. Well done to the team and to all the other Wiltshire teams who participated.”

Wiltshire Army Cadet Force and St Augustine’s Catholic College also had teams complete the trek across Dartmoor and were even featured on BBC’s famous children’s programme Blue Peter on Thursday.

To watch the two Wiltshire groups featured on Blue Peter, visit www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/watch/bp-radzi-and-lindsey-take-on-ten-tors