TERRITORIAL Army soldiers have won a gold medal at a major shooting competition.

The Newton Aycliffe soldiers from 102 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (Volunteers) struck gold at the Bisley Combat Pistol Championships.

It was the third time the team had competed in the competition. They won bronze medals in the two previous years.

Company Sergeant Major (WO2) Dave Braisby also won two gold medals for highest scoring senior non-commissioned officer and highest scoring individual in pistol match 12.

Corporal Martin Mullins also won two medals, a gold for highest scoring junior non-commissioned officer and a bronze for highest scoring individual in pistol match 11.

The battalion shooting team also consisted of Captain Philip Rolfe, from Bishop Auckland, and Lance Corporal David Walker.

Capt Rolfe said: "This is the third year the battalion has entered the competition and after bronze medals in the last two years against some very good competition it was good to come first."