A soldier from Esher was among reservists who tested their medical skills using the lightweight facilities the British Army deploys in support of airborne operations.

Troops from 144 Parachute Medical Squadron were tested on their medical and soldering skills in a demanding exercise.

Private Tom Hurley, 25, from Esher, has been in the Territorial Army for three years and is a qualified military parachutist and combat medical technician.

He said: “The training has been done by senior surgeons and clinical staff and has really high value. Working alongside this calibre of people helps develop your confidence and that, along with medical skills, is what I’ve gained from being in the TA.

“I joined up to challenge myself. The fitness training to pass parachute selection was very tough, but if you want it bad enough you’ll put the effort in and I did. Parachuting is fantastic and I’ve done 13 jumps, including jumping with the German Army to earn their wings.”