A LEYLAND soldier who started his army career with the local cadets is now reaching for the skies.

Sergeant David Cowling, 40, is off to the Himalayas next week, to take part in the Army's millennium quest to climb all 18 trekking peaks in the mountain range.

Sgt Howling, a training instructor with 40 Cadet Training Team based at Fulwood Barracks, said: "It's slightly daunting and has been two years in the planning.

"I've spent a total of six weeks climbing in Scotland and recently returned from four weeks in the Austrian Alps."

Sgt Howling, a member of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment, will arrive in Kathmandu on Tuesday (Sept 28), ready for the mountain trek.

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