A SUPER fit squaddie from Farnworth has made his mark in the world of extreme sports.

Private Matthew Haslam, aged 18, has won the Youth Trophy for Nordic cross-country skiing in Exercise Pipedown, the major skiing championships for British soldiers based in Germany.

The event is held in the French Alpine ski resort of Les Contamines de Montjoie near Mont Blanc.

Nordic skiing, often coupled with shooting as a Biathlon event is one of the popular disciplines for people in the military, and is widely regarded as one of the most arduous and physically demanding sports.

Matthew skis for his unit, 1 Logistic Support Regiment, who have won several honours this year.

His parents David and Karen Haslam live in Farnworth and he who attended Mount St Joseph Business and Enterprise College in Bolton, now works as a driver for his unit who are based at Gutersloh in North West Germany.

This is the 13th year that German-based troops have held their Championships at Les Contamines.