A GROUP of housemates from a unique care home for people with learning disabilities have raised £1,096 for North Dartmoor Search and Rescue with a ten-mile walk in scorching summer heat.

The group from Easterbrook Farm near Exbourne successfully completed their hike around Kennick, Tottiford and Trenchford reservoirs on the fringes of Dartmoor earlier this month.

The housemates, all in their 30s, had prepared for the walk over a whole year of training, spurred on by Amanda Wenden, the centre manager.

‘When we started our walking group a year ago we were doing very short walks,’ said Amanda. ‘For some of them it was a struggle and they felt they would never be able to walk ten miles, so it was something we built up to over the year.

‘We did lots of practice walks and they all encouraged each other, so this has been a real achievement for them.’

The group of six, half of those who live at Easterbrook, were sponsored by family and friends.

Their families met them and walked the last half mile of their route, bringing welcome jelly babies and cold water.

‘Suddenly about 20 people appeared, it was great,’ said Amanda.

‘It spurred everyone on and helped us finish the last half mile, then we all went off and had tea at the Fingle Bridge Inn and met up with the other housemates.

‘They want to join us next year. We want to do it again and maybe camp overnight on Dartmoor this time.’

All those who took part were presented with certificates from North Dartmoor Search and Rescue at a recent open day at the farm.