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

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

They have just taken part in the annual Ruta Maya River Challenge canoe race.

The three soldiers trained hard with their teams before the four-day amateur competition.

The Koop Sheet Steel team lifted the trophy, and received B$60,000 (about £24,000).

Gary's canoe came first. out of the British entrants, and 15th overall.

Leigh came 19th - second out of the nine Army boats in the race - followed by Paul's canoe in 20th place in the race.