SEVERAL hundred people tackled a gruelling annual challenge organised by Keighley Scout Service Network.

Participants in the Fellsman have to negotiate a 62-mile route across rugged moorland terrain.

The event involves over 11,000 feet of climbing, between Ingleton and Threshfield in the Yorkshire Dales.

This year, 374 entrants set off – and 291 completed the course.

An event spokesman said: "Most of the route is over privately-owned land, the use of which is secured for the weekend only.

"This being the case, the route doesn't follow well-defined footpaths, so the entrants' navigational skills with a map and compass are tested as well as their physical fitness.

"Over 200 volunteers help over the weekend and I would like to extend my thanks to all of them. Without them, the event would not happen.

"Many helpers come back year after year to assist in different roles.

"We run a full kitchen at the finish – serving meals all weekend for the entrants and staff – and provide food at all the roadside checkpoints.

"Checkpoint teams with Scouting links come from a wide area. The team at Fleet Moss, Huddersfield Weavers, has been attending for over 40 years.

"We have radio operators working our own Scout Association radio frequency, providing valuable communication between checkpoints, with a dedicated radio control high up on Cam Fell.

"There are also doctors and paramedics, minibus drivers and many others."

Before the start, there was a short speech by Suzanne Carter, event organiser for the past six years.

A previous organiser from half a century ago, David Petyt, then blew a whistle to signal the off.

"The weather was the best we have had for quite a few years," said the spokesman.

"There was a pleasant temperature through the day and it was not too cold at night – and it stayed dry – but a strong wind pitched up from around 2am."

The event is sponsored by Patagonia, which awards vouchers to the winners.

First man home was Chris Perry, in 11 hours 21 minutes, and first woman was Emma Hopkinson in 14 hours 45 minutes.

Full results can be found at fellsman.org.uk.