A SOLDIER from Edgware flew to Bavaria last weekend to compete in the Army's most arduous orienteering endurance challenge.

Gunner Christopher Proud, 21, who was brought up in Edgware and attended the London Academy, competed in Exercise Alpine Challenge.

The two-day orienteering challenge involves competitors racing up mountain slopes to 2,000 metres, competing in a 10km bike ride and canoeing across an Alpine lake - all in the same day.

In total they run just shy of 100km in 20 hours over a two-day period carrying all the food and extreme weather clothing they need.

Mr Proud’s team, from the Royal Artillery, came third in the mixed team category and eighth overall in a time of 17 hours, 56 minutes, and 21 seconds.

Mr Proud is currently serving with his unit in Thorney Island, but his parents Colin and Linda still live in Edgware.