Budding soldiers are being given a push in the right direction from the Dorothy Hyman Stadium.

More than 30 students from across South Yorkshire have this week begun a 10-week fitness course at the Barnsley Premier Leisure venue.

The programme aims to train the group, aged between 16-18, up to a suitable level of fitness and confidence to allow them to be fast-tracked into the army

Last year, 75 per cent of attendees successfully achieved the required standard and progressed into a variety of jobs in the army.

The programme involves running, gym work and stamina building for four mornings a week, while the fifth day is on location with the army.

"The programme has proven to be very successful in the past and we hope this year will be just the same, if not better,” said Major Keith Tomlinson.

"It's a two-way scheme as it provides the students with a unique opportunity to get a taste of the army, while we get a chance to have a look at their abilities.”

During the course, students attend two four-day residential courses in Surrey as well as a selection of one-day visits to various military units in the north-east and learn navigation and map reading skills together with team building exercises.

Dave Redfearn, manager of the Dorothy Hyman Stadium, said: "This is the third time we have staged the programme at the stadium and this year it will be bigger and better than ever before. It will help the youngsters get fit and hopefully allow them to gain employment in a career they want."

Next month, 18 high-ranking military officials will be visiting Barnsley to view the groundbreaking course to see if it can be adapted to other areas of the country.

At the end of the programme in November, the students will be attempting to beat Paula Ratcliffe's record marathon time with a relay run over the 26-mile course. All the money raised from the attempt will be donated to the Barnsley Hospice.