THREE North-East soldiers have just completed one of the world's most arduous canoe races through the jungles of Central America.

Leigh Baker, from Seaham, Gary Haughton and Paul Carr, both from Spennymoor, are stationed in Belize as part of the British Army Training Support Team.

They have just taken part in the four-day Ruta Maya River Challenge canoe race.

Gary's canoe was the first British entrant home, finishing 15th overall.

Leigh's team came 19th, second out of the nine competing army boats, with Paul's canoe 20th in the race and third of the Army boats.