TWO Durham soldiers have been experiencing temperatures of -32C during an intensive arctic survival training.

Staff Sergeant Sandra Robson, 33, and Sergeant Barry Murphy, 37, who are attached to the Joint Helicopter Support Unit (JHSU) at RAF Odiham, Hampshire, were taking part in Exercise Snowstorm in south central Norway.

Taught first how to build improvised shelters, the two, joined by 31 of their colleagues, spent two nights in a snow hole and learnt the art of cross-country and downhill skiing.

Staff Sgt Robson said: "Working in a team of four it took around five hours to build the snow hole. It measured about 3ft deep by 12ft wide and 4ft high, so you can imagine, it was tough going and very tiring."

The night saw the team take it in turns to stay awake, to check the air flow and watch for the danger of collapse.

Sgt Murphy said: "Getting to grips with cross-country skiing was the hardest part of the exercise."

Working closely with the Chinook helicopter detachment of 27 Squadron, the Royal Air Force, the JHSU is responsible for the preparation of equipment and loads on the ground for safe transfer to the Chinook.