A 62-year-old from Aycliffe Village showed Army Cadets a clean pair of heels on their annual camp.

Lieutenant Colonel Eddie Leadbitter joined 300 cadets from County Durham on a two-week camp in Scotland.

There were two venues, one near Crieff, Perthshire, where the programme included canoeing, mountain biking, rock climbing and abseiling.

The cadets, aged 13 to 18, were taught basic military skills at another camp, near Dundee, which included putting up shelters and cooking rations.

Lt Col Leadbitter led by example at the Crieff venue and could often be seen tearing around the camp in a kart.

He said: "I get the satisfaction of seeing the youngsters achieve what they want to achieve."

"We had the go-karts out and some of the kids were very apprehensive, but we gave them every encouragement and they soon overcame their apprehension."

There are vacancies for adult leaders in the cadets. No previous military experience is needed.

For details call Major Boris Spence on 0191-388 2351, or Lieutenant David Summers, on 0191-384 7202.