A 23 year-old from Birmingham is to attempt one of the most gruelling training regimes in the world, in a bid to become the army\x92s first female Para.

Lieutenant Jenny Hands said in the Scotsman “I am looking forward to it in a perverse sort of way. I hope I do myself justice.”

Apparently, ‘Among the punishing trials ahead of her are a frantic one-minute boxing match known as “milling”, an aerial obstacle course and a 20-mile forced march in five hours carrying a 35lb pack and rifle.’

Unbelievably, having proved herself by living through all that, she will still not be able to serve as a Para.

Posted by Jess McCabe on 19 April 2005, at 9:01 AM