VOLUNTEER soldiers from East Lancashire have been awarded a collection of coveted army awards.

The medals and certificates were handed to the soldiers from A Company 4th Battalion The Queen's Lancashire Regiment based the Somme Barracks, Moss Street, Blackburn, after an arduous two day exercise.

The exercise, codenamed Cambrian Patrol, was open to both the Regular and Territorial Army was designed to improve patrolling skills.

This included carrying equipment and ammunition over hilly terrain for long distances and testing on leadership, navigation, obstacle crossing, first aid and helicopter drills.

Although not competitive, teams were evaluated and the Blackburn Lads qualified for certificates of achievement and medals.

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