A PAIR of Redditch Territorial Army (TA) soldiers were pushed to the limit at a recent competition.

Craftsman Adam Hodgetts, 25, and Lance Corporal David Wilson, 23, pitted their wits against competitors from other TA units at Western Approaches 2006, a military and technical skills competition in Staffordshire.

The pair and their teammates from Redditch-based 37 Signal Regiment Light Aid Detachment (Volunteers), joined 100 competitors for the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) exercise at Swynnerton Training Area.

Adam is a former Bridley Moor High School pupil and David went to St Augustine's High School. They both joined the TA in 2003, qualifying as vehicle recovery mechanics.

Outisde the TA, Adam is on a computer studies course and David is a vehicle recovery driver with Redditch-based TT Breakdowns.

The Western Approaches competition is designed around realities facing both regular and TA REME soldiers. Teams must tackle vehicle and equipment repairs in the field and get them back into the battle while having to contend with combat casualties, enemy attacks, minefields and insurgents.

Soldiers also tackled an assault course, a march and shoot and a close quarter battle range, as well as having the chance to build and try out a go-kart using their trade skills.

David said: "This is the fourth time I have done Western Approaches.

"It is good fun and excellent training."