A TEAM of trekkers from a Dorset school was airlifted from Dartmoor on the same day a teenage girl died when she was swept into a rain-swollen stream.

Charlotte Shaw, 14, from Torrington, in Devon, was among a supervised party of 10 boys and girls who were training for the annual Ten Tors expedition.

In fierce weather conditions two of the other 85 teams training were airlifted from the moor after getting into difficulties, including a group of seven teenagers from Milton Abbey school, near Blandford.

The group of 14- and 15-year-olds set off on an 18-mile trek across the moor on Sunday morning and were making good progress until around midday when one teenager twisted his leg and was unable to continue walking.

Using a mobile telephone the team alerted the emergency services before erecting one tent, which they then all got inside.

They ate their emergency rations and made hot chocolate until help arrived three hours later. They were found to be suffering from mild hypothermia and were airlifted to Plymouth Hospital for treatment.

Milton Abbey's deputy head teacher Nick Arkwell, said: "We're incredibly proud of the way they handled the situation.

"Had it not been for the injury I have no doubt they would have completed the hike and reached their rendezvous point."

In total 26 people, including the members of Charlotte's team, were airlifted from the moor.

It is the first death in the history of the Ten Tors, which will get under way for the 47th time in May, with 400 teams from across the country taking part in 35, 45 and 55-mile expeditions.

A note on the event's website read: "I know that everyone associated with Ten Tors, past and present, would want to express their sympathy and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the young girl who tragically died following an incident at Walla Brook this weekend.

"Our thoughts are with you all at this very difficult time."