SOLDIERS are celebrating after winning a royal honour in an annual contest.

Members of the 1st battalion, The Green Howards' B company, most of whom are from Teesside and North Yorkshire, have been named as King Harald's Company in the inter-company competition.

The award, called after King Harald V of Norway, was presented to the company after a number of keenly-fought contests, culminating in a marching and shooting competition.

As winners, B company received the King Harald's Company red banner, bearing the king's personal cipher. Its members are entitled to wear a red arm flash, also with the cipher.

Major Jim Willis, commanding officer of the Wiltshire-based company, said: "All the men are delighted to have won this honour, and will wear their new badge with pride."