Alpine adventure for snowman Ian (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Alpine adventure for snowman Ian

A SOLDIER from Bradford on Avon has competed in an army snowboarding championships in Austria.

Signaller Ian Milne, from Bradford on Avon, competed in the eighth annual Army Snowboarding Championships at Stubai Glacier in Austria.

The 25-year-old is serving as an electrician with 7 Signal Regiment, Royal Signals.

He said: "I started snowboarding four years ago when I was on holiday and it was great fun, so when I found out I could do it in the army I was very pleased.

"I'd like to continue snowboarding and get in the army team.

"We are lucky in the army because we are encouraged in all types of sport and adventure and we get time off to take part, plus help with transport and funding."

Snowboarding is the fastest growing sport in the army.

More than 60 people from all over the world took part in the championships.

Signaller Milne came sixth in the Boarder Cross event and eighth in the Slope Style event.

A spokesman for the Royal Signals said: "It was great fun.

"Most of the competitors are from Germany and the UK but there was one from Cyprus.

"It's a once a year event and they all really enjoy taking part."