ONE minute it was old-fashioned foot-slogging, and the next, soaring over the Cornish countryside in an army helicopter... it's a life of variety for Gwent Army Cadets.

Almost 200 young men and women attended the annual summer camp at Penhale, an army base near Newquay, in Cornwall, where they were tested on traditional military skills.

Training included fieldcraft, competition shooting, a tough obstacle course, and, to top it all, a gruelling 48-hour exercise under canvas in scorching heat.

In addition, the cadets abseiled down a specially constructed 80-foot tower under the expert supervision of Sergeant Steven Close, of 31 Army Cadet Training Team, based at Brecon.

"One day it took me several hours to coax seven cadets down the abseil - but it was worth it just to see the pride and delight written on their faces when they had mastered one more challenge," he said.

Lieutenant Colonel Mike Noel-Smith, Commandant of Gwent Army Cadet Force, who is also coach for the Monmouth Rugby Club, led from the front by joining the youngsters on pre-breakfast runs across Bodmin Moor.

"The summer camp is something special," Colonel Mike explained. "It allows us to come together as a county to share experiences and to reach certain goals. The camp was blessed with fine weather and a smashing bunch of kids."

The teenage cadets were backed up by seven gunners of the Newport-based 104 Regiment Royal Artillery, who volunteered for driving and guard duties so that cadet instructors could be freed up for training exercises.

Six non-commissioned officers, including two women soldiers from 22 Regiment, Royal Artillery, came down from their Yorkshire base to join the 'enemy' force during the 48-hour exercise, and also to answer cadets' queries about army careers.

"The youngsters loved it but it wasn't all work," said spokeswoman for the reserve forces Major Sue Davies-Jenkins.

"There was go-karting, riding and trips in the Brigadier's helicopter. "And of course, it wouldn't be Newquay if the cadets couldn't hang out and do some surfing."

*PICTURED: From the left are Lance Bombardier Marcus Twine, 16; Bombardier Dewi Rowe, 15 and Sergeant Kirby McLauglin, 16. They were all prize winners on the junior instructors' cadre.