A TEENAGER will embark on the trip of a lifetime after becoming one of the country's leading four Army cadets.

Mark Crane, 18, of Coulby Newham, Middlesbrough, will fly to India tomorrow, where he will visit the National Cadet Corps.

During his stay, Mark, a student at Prior Pursglove College, in Guisborough, will meet India's prime minster, president and defence chiefs.

The A-level student secured his place on the trip after he came fourth in the national Army Cadet competition.

He was one of 120 out of 44,000 cadets invited on a Master Cadet course, where he became one of 20 to compete in the Claire Shore Trophy.

He had to compete in ten tests over 36 hours to win his place on the trip to India.

The tests included command tasks, interviews, orienteering, camp inspection, first aid, shooting and weapons handling.

He said: "To have been put forward for the competition and to do so well is the culmination of all my cadet training. It is a fantastic opportunity for me and another step on the way to my chosen career."

Mark, who is the leading cadet in the Cleveland Army Cadet Force, is also a Lord Lieutenant's Cadet.