AN ARMY cadet from Preston has jetted off to Canada as the county's representative on a six-week training expedition.

Arron Bibby, from Leyland Road, Lostock Hall, will join other young troopers from across the UK on the adventurous trip to Camp Argonaut, in New Brunswick.

Tough cookie Arron, 15, will embark on a host of testing exercises including climbing, abseiling, canoeing, orienteering, mock search and rescue, and leadership training under the supervision of qualified instructors.

The Lostock Hall High School pupil has been given heaps of support and encouragement from his mum Margaret who is taking part in the Great North Run, in Newcastle, later this year to raise money for the army cadet force based at Fulwood Barracks, Preston.

While Arron's dad Simon Bibby, who is a regular soldier, has been giving his son lots of tips on life in the army. Margaret said: "Arron loves the cadets -- it is in his blood because his grandfather was a cadet.

"He won the place by writing off to headquarters and explaining why he thought he should be picked to represent the county, so he's done really well -- I have had a 'phone call from him to say he is loving every minute of it. He gets so much out of going to the cadets twice-a-week. Not only does it keep him off the street, but his social skills have improved 100 per cent, he has made lots of new friends and has learnt many fantastic skills."

Margaret's appreciation for what the cadets has done for Arron persuaded her to run 13-mile run in September to raise cash for new equipment and club outings.

She said: "I have been training for this since February and hope to do really well.

" But I could really do with some more sponsors to help fund this worthwhile cause."

Anyone who would like to sponsor Margaret Bibby and support the cadets can contact her on 726147. Arron is photographed taking part in a communications with radio exercise -- and will take part in conducted tours of the Canadian Provence before returning home to Lostock Hall in late August. (sub)