THE excited squeals of happy children can be heard ringing out across Dartmoor.

A group of youngsters are enjoying the first taste of their picturesque moorland surroundings and they can't contain their joy.

But these teenagers aren't on a school trip, or a family break. They are spending a week with CHICKS.

The charity offers free respite breaks for disadvantaged children, many of whom have endured physical and mental abuse or poverty.

The dedicated work of staff and volunteers helps children from all over the country to enjoy a holiday and forget about their troubles.

"This is very special to a lot of the children that come here because they will not be used to this kind of thing," said Mick Ryan, a fundraiser for the organisation.

"Here they can have a fun, free, safe environment. They make new friends and it gives them self-confidence."

He added that they also gained invaluable experience of team working while in a caring environment.

CHICKS has two retreats, one at Brentor in the heart of Dartmoor National Park and the other close to the Cornish coast at Tywardreath.

Children who visit for a week-long holiday can take part in all kinds of fun activities, from riding and archery to belly-boarding and tenpin bowling.

But the amazing adventures experienced by the vulnerable youngsters are only made possible thanks to the continued fundraising and help of CHICKS supporters.

Every year £1.35million needs to be raised to help the charity to support 1,200 children with activities, food and a place to stay.

And this year its funds should get an added boost after CHICKS was announced as the chosen charity for this year's Plymouth Half Marathon.

"It was such an honour to be chosen," said Mick, who thanked race director Nigel Rowe for helping to choose CHICKS. "It allows us to get so much awareness of the charity. It's vitally important to educate people about what we do, who we are and where we are.

"We appreciate this so much."

This year's half marathon is taking place on Sunday, May 30.

The endurance event is already full but those hoping to run for CHICKS can do so with a gold bond place.

For more information visit www.plymouthhalfmarathon.co.uk.

And to find out about the work of CHICKS and to volunteer or take part in the one-mile fun run being held the day before the half marathon, visit www.chicks.org.uk or its facebook page www.facebook.com/chickscharity.