THE slogan urges Army recruits to Be The Best - but one corporal based in North Yorkshire now has a world record to prove it.

Highlander William McLennan had been in training for the Redcar Half-Marathon for months, pounding the roads around Catterick Garrison when foot-and-mouth disease controls kept him off his usual routes.

On Sunday, he competed in the event and crossed the line nearly 45 minutes behind the winner.

But Cpl McLennan was in combat gear with a 40lb rucksack strapped to his back, and by crossing the line in 1hr, 43mins, 42secs he smashed the previous world record for the feat by 13 minutes and 30 seconds.

"I thought I had a good chance of doing it, but not by that much. I was delighted and surprised by the time," he said.

But he also paid tribute to the support team, who helped him prepare, and to the crowd on the day.

"It was great hearing them cheer over the last 300 metres. I was tired, so it really gave me a boost, which helped me sprint to the finish," he said.

At 34, Cpl McLennan, who trains infantry soldiers at Catterick Garrison, admits he has heard gags about being over the hill and hopes his achievement will put an end to any recruits who may doubt his own capabilities.