TERRITORIAL Army soldiers from across the region were put through their paces yesterday as they prepare to deploy to Afghanistan.

Royal Mechanical and Electrical Engineers (Reme) service personnel were at 102 Battalion Reme’s headquarters in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham.

The soldiers have volunteered to take part in a six-month tour of Afghanistan next year.

During the two-day camp, the soldiers’ fitness was assessed over several training exercises including an eight-mile two-hour march carrying weapons and kit.

In addition, they received training and tutorials on the threats and hardships facing soldiers in Afghanistan.

Those who make the grade will go forward for further assessments and three months of further training in Germany, starting in January.

Commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Paul Wise said: “The purpose of our selection training weekends has been to look at our TA soldiers that have volunteered to deploy to Afghanistan in order to determine which are ready to deploy now and which might need some more time and training before deploying on a later rotation.

“All are highly motivated individuals whose families and civilian employers are extremely supportive of them doing their bit.

“We can be, and indeed are, very proud of each one of them."