A SOLDIER from Southend is taking part in a two-week military skiing competition in the Austrian Alps.

Lance Corporal Jason Redhill is competing against servicemen and women from across the country in the gruelling British Army Telemark Skiing Championships.

The 27-year-old and his colleagues are based at the village of Rauris and are competing in Telemark Titan, a military exercise designed to test strength, stamina and skill.

L Cpl Redhill has been in the Army for seven years and is a member of the reconnaissance troop for the 2nd Royal Tank Regiment, based in Tidworth, Wiltshire.

He is one of 80 competitors competing in a series of races in temperatures as low as minus 30 degrees celsius.

Telemark skiing is where the foot of a competitor is attached to the ski by the toes, leaving the heel free.

The contest incorporates downhill and cross-country skiing and jumping.

L Cpl Redhill, who completed a tour of Iraq in 2003 and of Afghanistan in 2007, said: “I learnt how to do Alpine skiing last year, but I have never done Telemark before and it’s very different.

“We have had some tuition from the top coaches in the sport, which has been great.

“It’s quite difficult to learn, but it’s a good challenge for me and I’m enjoying it.

“The exercise is definitely testing my physical endurance and stamina, but it is also building up my self-confidence and I’m glad I’m taking part.”

Army spokeswoman Rachel Smyth said: “Telemark racing is a growing sport within the military and one which demands the highest levels of fitness, courage and technical skill to excel in challenging conditions.”