FOUR Blackpool soldiers are currently taking a "walk on the wild side" during a six-week exercise in the treacherous jungles of Belize.
Lance-Bombardier Mike Webb (23), Gunner Tom Sumner (18), Gunner Justin Whitworth (30) and Gunner Paul McIntyre (28), all members of 7 PARA Royal Horse Artillery, are learning how to survive and fight in one if the most difficult environments in the world.
Scorpions, tarantulas, crocodiles and pumas are only some of the hazards faced by the soldiers, who have taken quickly to their new lifestyle.
Gunner McIntyre said: "You get a bit concerned thinking maybe something is going to crawl over you, but you soon get used to living out here."
Jungle warfare skills are vital as recent conflicts in Sierra Leone and East Timor have shown, so this training is serious business.
But it's not all hard work for the local lads. After five weeks of gruelling training, it was off to the beautiful St Georges Caye for a week's relaxation.
Pictured from left are Gunners Paul McIntyre, Tom Sumner and Justin Whitworth and Lance Bombadier Mike Webb. Below, Paul McIntyre on patrol.
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