Black bears, scorpions, rattlesnakes and mountain lions are just some of the horrors a Territorial Army (TA) soldier from Bamber Bridge could face on a gruelling 17-day trek through the American wilderness.

Private Michael Brown, 37, will scale heights of 14,000ft-plus during the Exercise Northern Sequoia challenge in California and Nevada, after he set off on Friday.

Heis one of a 23-strong team of mostly TA soldiers to tackle the peaks and trek through a remote area, the size of Lancashire and Cumbria combined.

Some of the places they will go are so dangerous the part-time soldiers have been advised not to use soap or toothpaste at base camp as the scent can attract bears.

The troops will then travel through Death Valley to Arizona and to the perilous Grand Canyon mountain range, where they will be taking part in more gruelling challenges.

Pte Brown, who is married to Maria, 37, and lives with sons Callum, 15, and Aaron, 13, and daughter Niamh, six, said: "It will be very tough but I'm really looking forward to it. I do a lot of running and feel I'm ready for the challenge.

"I'll be very tired at the end of it but it'll be worthwhile and my family think what I'm doing is brilliant."

All the soldiers taking part serve with army units across the region, under the control of 42 (North West) Brigade, based at Fulwood Barracks, Preston.

Other soldiers from the Preston and South Ribble areas taking part include Corporal Craig Roberts, 34, from Fulwood; Pte Simon Baverstock, 23, from Leyland; Pte Joseph Harrop, 20, from Plungington, all with the Lancastrian and Cumbrian Volunteers; Warrant Officer Barrie Bowker, 47, from Preston, of 42 (North West) Brigade; and Pte Michael Brown, 37, from Bamber Bridge, of 156 (North West) Transport Regiment.