A SUPER-fit soldier from Pendle was part of a team that pulled five Army vehicles around a 26.2-mile marathon course in Afghanistan.

Lance Corporal Tom Mellor, 24, of Barnoldswick, was one of 24 soldiers who completed the marathon with a difference.

The team pushed and pulled vehicles, including a 14-ton Husky and 30-ton Mastiff, around the gruelling course in the blistering 35 degree heat at Camp Bastion.

All the money raised from the challenge will be donated to the British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association (BLESMA) and St Dunstan’s, a charity that provides an independent future for blind ex-service personnel.

LCpl Mellor, who is nearing the end of a six-month tour of Afghanistan with the Royal Logistic Corps (RLC) Stores Troop, part of 1 Close Support Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, said it was a test of strength and stamina.

“At risk of being the king of understatements, the truck-pull was quite difficult,” he said.

“We knew it would be hard but all of the training we did beforehand saw us through. I am glad to have completed it and we have made a lot of money for two really important charities.”

LCpl Mellor joined the Army in 2004 and has served in Iraq and a previous tour of Afghanistan. His role in Afghanistan is the receipt and onward movement of technical spares to wherever they are required.

He said: “It has been a long, hard tour and the hours in particular have been punishing.

“Half of my time was spent on the night shift and when the air-conditioning breaks it’s not easy to sleep in the heat of the day. I cannot wait to get back to my wife and children – my son started school whilst I have been away and I am yet to see him in his uniform.

“Once I am settled and I have some time I look forward to spending a relaxing day fishing on the Leeds-Liverpool canal.”

The team has so far raised over £4,000 but is aiming for more. Go to www.justgiving.com/RLC-Stores-Troop.