Students and staff from a special school took part in an annual challenge on Dartmoor for young people with special educational needs and disabilities n Dartmoor.

Westfield Arts College students took part in the Jubilee Challenge, part of the Ten Tors event organised by the Army.

They were joined by four students and their staff from Compass Learning Centre in Weymouth. 

The Jubilee Challenge is a one-day expedition on Northern Dartmoor designed for young people with a range of physical, neurological or educational challenges.

Up to 400 participants enter the challenge each year, either as individuals or teams. There are four different routes available. 

Groups took part in three walks- 7.8miles, 8.7 miles and 11 miles over Friday, May 10 and Saturday, May 11 totalling 27.5 miles.

After camping overnight, the group had a 5am start after being awoken by Chariots of Fire being played through speakers to motivate them.

Walks began at 7.30am, with a speech from survivalist expert and TV presenter Ray Mears.

Dorset Echo: Each team took upwards of six hours to complete and reach the finish line with the sun shining across Dartmoor.

Event leader, Susie Jeffcott, said: “We are so proud of all our young people who showed remarkable positivity and resilience in completing the challenge on what was a very special weekend.

“They coped fantastically well in a new environment surrounded by so many others, getting on with and supporting each other and being polite, helpful and friendly.

“Everyone did what they needed to and many people commented on how impressed they were with our students.”

Dorset Echo: Mark Fisher, deputy head at the Compass Learning Centre, said: “We have absolutely loved every bit of the weekend and we couldn’t have done it without the support Westfield have given us. I hope we can continue to work together and even expand on the activities we do in the future. Our students have grown as a result of this experience.’

The school would like to extend thanks to Susie Jeffcott and Rachel Fisher for organising their participation in the event and to all the staff who supported the students so wonderfully.