Great St Albans Challenge raises over £7k for Youth Talk

Billed as a 'Sherlock Holmes' style treasure hunt, the event took over the city, as 85 teams took part in the GPS-led challenge.

More than £7,700 was raised for Youth Talk, a St Albans-based counselling charity for young people.

Many said they “learnt so much about our wonderful city” throughout the day.

85 teams took part in the challenge. (Image: Tony Barr) 'The Loot Legends' were crowned as the winners and were presented with their trophies by Team GB athlete Phoebe Gill, who is from nearby Harpenden.

Team GB's Phoebe Gill presented the trophies. (Image: Tony Barr) Oli Parkes from the 'Loot Legends', said: “Thank you to the organisers for the event raising money for a great cause.

Team GB's Phoebe Gill presented the trophies. (Image: Tony Barr) "We had a lot of fun, even if it did mean getting out of our comfort zone on occasions! We hope everyone else had a great time also, and well done to everyone taking part.”

The 'Explorer Scout' competition was won by 'Heartwood X'.

High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Annie Brewster was also on hand for the trophy ceremony.

High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Annie Brewster (Image: Tony Barr) Read More:

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The event was created by events company Wildgoose, with the company's operations director Peter Barker saying: “What a day it was! We were delighted to be able to create this event to support such a worthy local cause.

David Barker, Youth Talk's chief executive. (Image: Tony Barr)"St Albans is full of such great people who have a heart for charity and real fun-loving spirits. The combination of a great day out and raising funds for Youth Talk injected such a feel-good factor into the fundraising GPS treasure hunt.”

High Sheriff of Hertfordshire Annie Brewster (Image: Tony Barr) Youth Talk's chief executive David Barker said: "Wow – what an afternoon. A huge thank you to Peter and the Wildgoose team for making it all possible – and to our amazing team of volunteers who helped in the planning and smooth running of the event on the day."

"Youth Talk provides vital free confidential counselling to young people aged 13-25 across the district and the funds raised will mean that we will be able to deliver 154 more counselling sessions to local young people who are struggling."

The day was hailed as a roaring success. (Image: Tony Barr) Best dressed team? (Image: Tony Barr)