SOLDIERS took a trip to the beach as they ended the year with a gruelling training session.

16 Air Assault Brigade, who are based at Colchester’s Merville Barracks, took to the beaches of Mersea Island for the festive-themed training.

The airborne soldiers ran along the beach from Cudmore Grove to West Mersea.

Along the way they stopped for exercises and finished by braving the chilly waters for a dip in the sea before heading back to the garrison.

The training saw them decked out in a strange combination of Army uniform and bobble hats and even a Santa’s hat.

Doug Herbert, who is in charge of physical fitness and sport for 16 Air Assault Brigade, said it had been a fun morning for all involved.

He said: “A morning run on the beach made for a tough training session that brought the headquarters together for a bit of fun.

“Everyone enjoyed doing something different, making the most of the beautiful north Essex coastline and cooling down for Christmas at the end of a busy year.”