Three teenagers from Beccles are preparing for a dream trip to the Caribbean after winning their way into a global contest.

Toby Currie, Bailey Cousins and James Lovett, will be jetting off for Barbados later this year after qualifying for the International Cadet Competition.

The 13-year-olds, from Beccles Army Cadet Force, will be among a select band from Suffolk who have been chosen to represent their country in a range of military and sporting events.

The three will form part of the UK team that will take on 10 others from across the globe in the two-week contest as they compete in obstacle courses, a triathlon, marksmanship, orienteering and a 24 hour survival challenge.

It will be the furthest all three have travelled, with James leaving the country for the first time.

'We are all looking forward to it,' said Toby.

'Some in the platoon are jealous and some are excited for us.'

The three qualified for the team after undergoing a selection weekend in Thetford, with challenges including swimming, map reading and an interview.

Under Officer Syd Payne, detachment commander of Beccles, said the platoon performed well at the event and praised the three teenagers, who all go to Sir John Leman High School, in Beccles, for making the team.

'This is a big achievement for the young cadets as they had over 300 peers in Suffolk eligible for the competition,' he said.

'It is more than five years since we had cadets at this level, so I am really pleased to have three.'

The three are now aiming raise £1,000 each ahead of the competition, which is at the end of July, and will be taking part in a number of events to raise the money, including bag packing at supermarkets.

Toby is also considering organising a football match and James is intending to shave his hair.

A private donation, a grant from the town's Rotary Club and a cake sale has already helped the platoon to contribute £450.

To contribute send a cheque made payable to Beccles Army Cadet Force to the Drill Hall, Peddars Lane, Beccles, NR34 9UE.

richard.wood@archant.co.uk