YOUNG Army Cadets from St Helens completed gruelling 30 and 40-mile expeditions on the wild Cumbrian Fells as part of a weekend exercise designed to challenge their self-reliance, tenacity and navigation skills.

The 13 to 18-year-old cadets were among 200 boys and girls from all over the region taking part in North West Challenge, organised by the Regular Army 42 (NW) Brigade and supported by the Territorial Army.

Starting from Warcop Camp, in Yorkshire, the cadets completed the challenging cross-country and mountainous course - 40 miles for the seniors and 30 miles for the juniors - carrying all their own food and equipment and moving under their own direction and with the minimum of supervision, safety being the keyword for the weekend.

The object of the exercise was to test the cadets' ability to survive in the hills on their own and it brought out the very best qualities of leadership, teamwork and self-sufficiency. Later cadets were presented with medals and certificates by Brigadier Ian Shapter, chief executive TAVR Association and Brigadier David Shaw, Brigade Commander.

This was also excellent training as 150 St Helens Army Cadets are leaving on August 9 for their 12 days annual camp, this year to be held on the south coast near Dover.

They will form part of the total party of more than 500 cadets from Merseyside. During the period they will have a full programme including first-aid, assault course, watermanship, abseiling and some training with the regular army.

PICTURED: SUCCESSFUL St Helens Army Cadets, with certificates and medals who completed the gruelling expedition over the Cumbrian Fells. Corporals Michael Bishop, Lee Hamlett, Kerry Martindale, Jimmy Groves and Michael Gillard.

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