A TORQUAY schoolgirl was airlifted for treatment after being injured during the annual Ten Tors expedition at the weekend.

Year 11 Westlands School pupil MacKenzie Harris suffered a leg injury.

She was just three hours into her 45-mile challenge when she was hurt after stumbling on a stone as she crossed a stream between Tor 1 and 2 at 11am on Saturday.

Her team mates called for aid and the youngster was airlifted to Okehampton Camp before being treated.

Westlands Ten Tors manager Richard Vaas said: "Mackenzie was airlifted off the moor with a suspected fractured leg.

"She was crossing a stream and stumbled on a stone, and her full weight came down on her leg.

"She wanted to carry on but was advised not to by her team mates, which was a very wise decision.

"The team acted in an extremely responsible way and was very mature and decisive."

The student is on crutches, but is said to be recovering well from her ordeal.

Mr Vaas said: "Mackenzie is pretty sparky and is determined to come back next year."

Mackenzie's 45-mile team mates, captain Georgina Hale, Todd Cordoroy and James Beresford, completed the course at 3.30pm on Sunday.

The school's 35-mile team were greeted by the Duke of Edinburgh at the finishing line.

He attended to mark the 50th anniversary of the Ten Tors challenge.

The team, captain Claire Benson, Joshua Langdon, Rosie Harris, Lee Johnson, Jamie Harvey and Kurt Lydon. completed the course at 11.45am on Sunday.

Mr Vaas said: "The first team to come through and meet the Duke was our 35-mile team.

"The Duke congratulated them and said 'Have you been for a walk?'"

Team member Joshua Langdon crossed the line with a Union Jack in hand.

Mr Vaas said: "The team were very proud to have been spoken to personally by the Duke of Edinburgh.

"They were overawed at the start of the event, and what a brilliant end for them to a very special event."

Mr Vaas praised both groups and Ten Tors staff members Lucy Atkins, Fiona Darby and Dave Hawkins.

Find out how other South Devon schools fared in the Ten Tors — see tomorrow's Herald Express.