Ten Tors trek children 'had wanted to leave moor'

Charlotte Shaw fell into a fast-flowing river

Children on a Dartmoor trek in bad weather wanted to leave just hours before a Devon girl died but could not contact a teacher, an inquest was told.

Charlotte Shaw, 14, from Frithelstock, was training for the Ten Tors challenge in March 2007 during bad weather when she fell into the Walla Brook.

She died from cardiac arrest as a result of drowning.

Steven Lambell told the inquest when he met the group he was surprised they were so far away from assistance.

'Inexperienced group'

Ten Tors manager Mr Lambell told the hearing at Exeter's County Hall that when he met the group, which had included Charlotte, they were soaked as a result of heavy wind and rain.

He said they told him that they wanted to get off the moor but could not get through to the teacher in charge of them by telephone.

Mr Lambell said he surprised to see such an inexperienced group of young walkers so far from adult supervision and without adult assistance.

Charlotte, who was part of a party of 10 from Edgehill College, now known as Kingsley School, in Bideford, had been throwing a bag to the other side of the fast-flowing river when she fell in.

Mr Lambell later found her body. He told the hearing that he had waded into the stream to see if he could rescue her but the current was so strong that he had to fall back.

The Ten Tors challenge, which this year celebrated its 50th anniversary, is organised by the Army and sees teams of 14 to 20-year-olds endure a two-day hike of up to 55 miles (88.5km) across Dartmoor.

The youngsters must carry their kit, cook for themselves and use survival and navigational skills.

The inquest is expected to finish in October.