STUDENTS from across the region were battling it out for the title of Army College of the Year yesterday.

A total of 19 teams of teenagers were put through their paces at Marne Barracks, Catterick, in North Yorkshire, completing a number of gruelling tasks.

An assault course, aerial slide, mountain bike challenge and a log race tested teams to the limit.

Teesside Tertiary College B Team was victorious in the event, which included competitors from York, Washington, Newcastle, Durham and Middlesbrough.

Derwentside College B was second and the Rother Valley College, third.

"All the skills we were testing are vital for anyone considering a career in the Army," said Captain Doug Birnie, of 120 Army Youth Logistic Corps, which arranged the competition.

"The event is designed to test competitors' physical and mental strength, their problem-solving skills, teamwork and endurance. It is a long day, but it is immensely satisfying for the teams to come through the challenges we throw at them.