One of oldest soldiers ever to complete Ex Cambrian Patrol earns medal alongside son

A 55-year-old soldier has become one of the oldest participants ever to complete the gruelling Exercise Cambrian Patrol, earning an impressive bronze medal.

Major David Hood from 7 Scots was declared "one of if not the oldest soldiers in the 65-year history of the event", in a post on X by the British Army in Wales.

In an extra twist, he completed Nato's so-called toughest patrolling test alongside his son Declan.

• Northern lights: Troops on brutal Exercise Cambrian Patrol treated to dazzling display
• British Army's testing 10-day Exercise Cambrian Patrol captured in pictures
• Exercise Cambrian Patrol: Troops take on Army's toughest patrol test

Cambrian Patrol has been held annually since 1959 and sees soldiers from across the world go head to head to complete the eight phases of the exercise over 10 days.

The exercise is the Army's principal All Arms Patrol Exercise and is open to all three services, regular and reserve, and international participants are encouraged to take part.

It takes place in the Brecon Beacons and is the ultimate test of military fieldcraft, navigation, tactics, leadership skills and teamwork.

This year, troops were treated to a stunning display of the northern lights as they trained in the woods on a scenario involving a downed helicopter and multiple casualties.

Incredible shots of the aurora borealis were captured during the exercise, which was hosted by Headquarters 160th (Welsh) Brigade.