ARMY cadets from across the region march into the Dales this weekend to test their mettle in a battle of stamina and teamwork.

More than 400 youngsters, aged between 13 and 18, will be taking part in Exercise Colts Canter, at Gandale and Wathgill Camps, on the moors between Richmond and Leyburn, North Yorkshire.

A total of 39 teams, from Yorkshire, Humberside, Cleveland, Durham, Tyne and Wear, Teesside and Northumberland will take on a timed five-mile march and problem-solving exercises.

They will also undergo tests in first aid, marksmanship and map-reading.

A team from North Yorkshire's Ampleforth College took the trophy for best performance last year, while Humberside and South Yorkshire will be defending their titles as top Army Cadet Force and Best County respectively.