A TEAM of police officers are preparing to take on a military-grade Royal Marine-style challenge this Saturday.

The Cops 30 miler will see participants tackle a 30 mile yomp across the rugged Northumberland countryside, whilst carrying over 32lbs in a backpack, with a target time of under eight hours.

The event in Northumberland is so tough less than half who set off are expected to finish and it closely replicates the final commando test that Royal Marines recruits must complete to earn the coveted Green Beret.

It was the first event of its kind when it was set up by DCI Lee Gosling, of Durham Constabulary, and Inspector Simon Guilfoyle, of Staffordshire Police, in 2016 and is the only one officially endorsed by the Royal Marines. Monday raised goes to the Royal Marines Charity and the Care of Police Survivors.

DCI Gosling, who has completed the course on his two previous attempts, said: “The ethos of the event is very much in line with the Royal Marines emphasis on teamwork and on the commando spirit.

“Every individual will have a reason for taking part and many don’t know each other when they start but it is the courage, determination, selflessness and cheerfulness in the face of adversity that ensures people achieve their goals.”

Durham officers DCI Lee Gosling, Insp Kev Salter, Sgt Sam Turner, Sgt Jamie Gray, DC Liam Robertson, DC Chris Robinson, DC Gary Davison, DC Andy Davison, DC Michael Hogg and PC Mark Outhwaite will all take part. In addition, actor Will Bowden, German police officer Angelika Werner, together with members of the public and ex-Royal Marines also hope to complete the course.

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