AN Army Cadet Force team has pulled off a remarkable victory to beat 240 other groups in a gruelling 100-mile walk across the Netherlands.

The 12-strong pack of cadets took first prize and beat the Royal Marines over the four-day marathon in the process.

The team was led by second lieutenant Don Lennon, who is from Blackburn, and secured the trophy after impressing in their speed and morale.

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Colonel Neil Jurd said: “Our team won plaudits from the judges because they remained positive, despite the punishing nature of this endurance event.”

It was the first time the Lancashire ACF had taken part in the Nijmegen Marches for more than 20 years.

They had been training since Christmas with leader Second Lieutenant Lennon who, in addition to being a volunteer in the Lancashire ACF, is a UK Athletics development coach.

The Lancashire team was judged to be the best out of 25 Army Cadet teams across the UK at a selection march event in May.

All cadets on the team are from the Lancashire area, including Regiment Sergeant Major Forrest McDonald and Sergeant Brandon Waring from Padiham, Colour Sergeant Kieran White from Accrington, Lieutenant Corporal Rachel Smith from Longridge,Cadet Connor Morris and Corporal Jon Lambert from Burnley, Lieutenant Corporal Jake Moore from Clayton-le-Moors, Lieutenant Corporal Edward Lathrope from Bamber Bridge, Corporal Chloe Gardner from Darwen and Corporal Sophie Chatburn from Nelson.