NEARLY 500 Hampshire schoolchildren have battled it out in Winchester to see if they've got what it takes to be in the Army.

The schoolchildren were competing in the Army Schools Challenge at Sir John Moore Barracks.

Each school competed against each other to test their pupils' physical and mental abilities and to encourage them to think about a future career in the Army.

Soldiers tested the children's stamina in a range of organised activities replicating the competitive standards of life in the Army.

The schools were involved in a Rapier Missile Bin race, testing their teamwork and speed. They also worked with the Royal Engineers to build an aerial roadway and use this to transport a mine detector that had to be used to locate a hidden component.

Major Charles Grieve, Army careers adviser for Hampshire and Isle of Wight, said: "This is the fourth year of Schools Challenge and each year we receive a high level of interest from schools in the region which recognises the benefits and fun that the pupils experience at Schools Challenge.

"The Schools Challenge is an excellent way to give school children a taste of Army life. Many of the skills they learn with us will be used in building confidence, leadership and teamwork."