TROOPS put their physical, military and leadership skills to the test during a competition named in honour of one of their fallen comrades.

About 20 airborne soldiers from Colchester’s 216 Parachute Signal Squadron battled it out for the Corporal Steven Dunn Trophy, named in honour of a soldier from the unit who was killed in Afghanistan in 2010.

Wearing full battle regalia, the soldiers navigated their way around an individual circuit of the town’s Merville Barracks and Friday Woods training area.

Signaller Luke Platts emerged as the winner and designated Super Tom - a variant of the First World War nickname for a solider, aTommy.

The 22-year-old has been in the Army for four years and plays tennis for the Royal Corps of Signals.

He said: “The contest was a tough day that tested everyone’s soldiering skills and even general knowledge. To get your brain in gear for a written test about the history of airborne forces when you’re cold, wet and tired was a challenge.

“I’m really proud to have won and be the Super Tom - it gives me bragging rights in the squadron.”