A COUNTY Durham soldier is hoping for promotion after spending a month on exercises in Cyprus.

Lance Bombadier Tracey Barron, from Willington, took part in an exercise, known as Lion Sun, alongside colleagues from the 39 Regiment Royal Artillery.

The aim of the exercise was to assess soldiers' potential for promotion. L Bdr Barron was able to take advantage of the rich diversity of climate and terrain on the island.

She enjoyed skiing in the Troodos mountains and kayaking on the coastline as well as practising beach landings and taking part in a mock dawn raid. Although her regiment is based in Newcastle, her career has taken her on travels to Germany, Kosovo, Northern Ireland, India and the Czech Republic.

Before she joined the Army, she attended Parkside School, Willington. Her parents still live in the town.