Cafe Alf Resco’s invited the Dart Trekkers for a free breakfast today, to celebrate a decade since the group first began.

Owners of the beloved breakfast cafe, Kate and Pete Ryder, provide food for the teams every year, and today invited parents along to join them.

The Dart Trekkers’ two teams of 13-15 year olds start off at Okehampton, where they’ll face a gruelling 5am start tomorrow morning to the music of ’chariots of fire’, followed by an army briefing. Then, they are left to fend for themselves in tents across Dartmoor.

This weekend’s 35 mile expedition marks ten years since the group began training, entering and inspiring young teams, which is run by dedicated volunteers Terri Walker, Matt Pink, and Antony Fury.

Team manager, Terri Walker, said: “We are very grateful to Kate and Pete for providing the pre-ten tors breakfast for all these ten years, the young people love a breakfast at Alf’s.”

Kate Ryder expressed her support: “It’s our 25th year at Alf’s this year, so it’s great to celebrate together.” She further stressed the importance of giving the young people a good meal before they set off.

Cllr Ged Yardy, whose son is on one of the teams, wished them good luck “on behalf of Dartmouth and the town council”, and thanked Kate and Pete for their generosity.

The teams are the group’s 23rd and 24th to take on the challenge, and will cross the finish line on Sunday, May 12.

To find out more about Dart Trekkers, visit their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Dart-Trekkers-208168865915710/