A FORMER paratrooper, who served in the first Gulf War, will be returning to his army roots this weekend to raise money for the new generation of soldiers.

A FORMER paratrooper, who served in the first Gulf War, will be returning to his army roots this weekend to raise money for the new generation of soldiers.

Jim Reid, who served as a medic in Iraq in 1990 and is a former Territorial Army paratrooper, will take part in the Paras' 10 P Company Challenge tomorrow (Sunday).

The challenge is considered one of the toughest endurance tests conducted by the Armed Forces - a 10-mile "march" through the Parachute Regiment's barracks in North Yorkshire, carrying a 35lbs bag on your back.

To successfully complete the challenge, competitors must cross the finish line in under one hour 50 minutes.

Jim, from Grove Place, Welham Green, is hoping to beat the clock and raise around �1,000 for Help for Heroes, a charity that supports wounded UK soldiers returning home.

"I was very aware of the lack of technical support for guys coming back from that conflict (first Gulf War)," Jim, 43, said.

"When I heard about Help for Heroes and this particular run I thought it would be a good idea to raise some money for them."

To sponsor Jim, visit www.justgiving.com/Jim-Reid/