TEAMS of young people battled it out in a timed and unaccompanied navigational challenge across Swaledale and Arkengarthdale.

Since 1974 Scouts and Explorers throughout Richmondshire have competed in an annual test designed to promote teamwork and decision-making – the Brass Monkey – starting and finishing at Reeth Memorial Hall.

This year 12 teams took part in the hike. The Scouts covered 13km across Swaledale, and the Explorer teams a slightly further 16km that took in Arkengarthdale; all teams returned in less than five hours.

First prize for the Scouts went to Holmedale, with the Castle Explorer Unit winning their trophy after hitting every checkpoint.

Gavin Ions, assistant district commissioner for Scouts, said: “The day is about route-planning, decision-making and implementing your ideas, teamwork and sticking to the times allowed. All the young people who took part did really well; although I must give thanks to the adult helpers without whom the day could not take place.”