Soldier Andy Martin is on a downward slope, and he's delighted!

He has been taking part in the army's UK ski championships in France.

Andy -- a warrant officer (class two) from Silsden -- competed in some of the world's toughest cross-country races, testing his skills as both a skier and a marksman.

The 33-year-old former South Craven School pupil is pictured taking part in Exercise Spartan Hike 2005 in Serre Chevalier.

He completed a 15km course, in which competitors -- apart from when they were overtaking -- had to keep each of their skis within a 15cm-wide track cut in the snow.

Andy also took part in the biathlon races --- involving skiing and shooting at targets on a firing range -- and the 20km "military patrol" race, which tests the soldiers' skiing and teamwork skills and mental strength.

He said: "It is such a technical sport. It's a thinking man's game, but having the right kit and using the right wax on the skis is also very important.

"You also have to have the right technique and a lot of motivation. I really enjoy it -- the scenery is fantastic and the sun's been shining! You get a great sense of achievement doing something like this. I did it for the first time in 1996 and have done it three times since then."

Soldiers are encouraged by the army to take up cross-country skiing for its physical demands and development of team-building skills.

Currently five of the eight-strong British biathlon team are serving or former soldiers.

Andy -- who is also a talented cross-country runner -- joined the army in 1988, and is a driver with the 13 Air Assault Support Regiment based in Colchester.

His parents, Roy and Sheila Martin, live in Silsden.