ARMY cadets from South Cumbria beat off competition from the rest of the county to scoop the top prize in a military contest.

The Barrow army cadet detachment won a closely fought contest to pip Kendal's force to the top spot and win the military skills competition, which was held at Warcop Training Camp in east Cumbria.

The event, which was organised by the Cumbria Army Cadet Force, saw 10 teams from across the county pitted against one another in a range of challenges including first aid, patrolling and observation, camouflage and concealment.

Colonel Anthony Steven, commandant of Cumbria Army Cadet Force, said: “This annual competition is an excellent way for detachments across the county to square up to each other and find out who’s the best.

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"Cumbria Army Cadet Force encourages young people to try their hardest to achieve worthwhile goals in their lives, and this competition is very much part of our excellent youth training experience.”

The winning team was led by 17-year-old Sergeant Major Adam Ellis, who is now set to head to the prestigious Cadet Training Centre in Surrey to complete his Master Cadet course.

Adam was joined by a number of lance corporals including Kade Turner, Ben Low, Bradlee Smillie and Chloe Dalton.

Lance corporals Ben Japer, Daniel Rennie, Jack Haslam and Tobias Aston, who are all 13, also made up the winning team with sergeant instructor Alex Hill and staff sergeant instructor Ken Thain training the group to success.

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Major Rachel Diss, Officer Commanding of Burma Company (South Lakes), said: “I am delighted with the result of the skills competition. These army cadets had trained hard as teams in preparation for the competition.

"They took every opportunity to demonstrate their learning and personal development, and I could not be more proud of their achievements. They are setting the standard high for our future cadets.”

To volunteer as an instructor for the Cumbria Army Cadet Force call 01228 516225 for more information.