Colchester soldiers break world record with European trek

The team finished their walk in Slovakia on Sunday

Three soldiers have broken the world record for the most number of countries crossed by foot in seven days.

The troops, based at the Military Corrective Training Centre in Colchester, started the trek on 24 September in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The team then went to Croatia, Slovenia, Hungary, Austria and finished their walk in Slovakia on 1 October.

Sgt Damian Isaac, 39, Sgt Simon Wright, 39, and Sgt Kelson St Rose, 47, said they were "keen travellers."

The trio broke the Guinness World Record for most countries crossed in a week

They walked more than 30 miles each day and were followed by two witness drivers who were approved by Guinness World Records.

A motorhome met the team at checkpoints for food and clothing changes throughout their route.

"We wanted to do something arduous, rather than something quirky to get in the Guinness World Records," said Sgt Isaac.

"All three of us are keen travellers so this seemed like a good challenge."

The team started their European trek in Bosnia and Herzegovina

He continued: "We slept in the motorhome most nights apart from two nights when we had hotels booked so we could get a shower and a decent night's sleep.

"We had to send GPS data, a map of the route we followed with planned stops, a logbook with the two witness statements, and provide photos and videos."

The trio, who are also part of the Military Provost Staff Regiment, were given time off from their duties in order to take on the challenge.

The troops were given time off from their duties in Colchester for the record attempt