TEAMS of soldiers who took part in a race across some of North Yorkshire's toughest terrain have provided a boost for local charities.

The soldiers ran, canoed, swam and cycled from dawn to dusk in the annual Race the Sun event.

Personnel from 2 Signal Regiment, at Imphal barracks, York, were joined by others from all over the UK and Germany in the 15-stage relay race, sponsored by Nestle Trust, over 182 miles.

In total, their efforts raised £8,100 and yesterday, in a ceremony at the barracks, they presented £6,000 to three local charities - St Leonard's Hospice, the York Hospitals NHS Child Development Centre and the York and North Yorkshire Community Foundation.

A further cheque for £2,100 was presented to the Army Benevolent Fund, which helps serving and former soldiers and their families in times of need.

The cheques were presented by Lieutenant Colonel Andrew Botterill, the regiment's commanding officer, assisted by event organiser Major Ade Clewlow.