HUNDREDS of Army cadets battled it out yesterday in a bid to be named the best in Yorkshire and the North East.

In total, 39 teams of boys and girls were at Catterick Garrison for Exercise Colts Canter - the highlight of the Army cadet year.

Teams from the Army Cadet Force, the Combined Cadet Force and the Air Training Corps from Yorkshire, Cleveland, Durham, Tyne and Wear, Teesside and Northumberland entered the competition.

The youngsters, aged between 13 and 18, had to complete a five-mile timed march and their leadership and teamwork skills were put to the test by a problem-solving command task and map reading, first aid and marksmanship challenges.

An Army spokeswoman said: "The rain held off and it was relatively cool so it was good weather for marching at speed through the countryside.

"Everybody seems to have really enjoyed themselves. The standards were very high and there has been a very strong, but good natured, competitive spirit."