ACHING limbs and blisters failed to put an Ipswich soldier off one of Britain's largest walking events.Lance Corporal Jennifer Leonard of 27 Transport Regiment, The Royal Logistics Corps, battled against fatigue to complete an internationally-renowned Nijmegan march in Holland.

ACHING limbs and blisters failed to put an Ipswich soldier off one of Britain's largest walking events.

Lance Corporal Jennifer Leonard of 27 Transport Regiment, The Royal Logistics Corps, battled against fatigue to complete an internationally-renowned Nijmegan march in Holland.

The annual event attracts over 40,000 entrants including many military teams from all over the world.

Jennifer was part of the British military contingent taking part and had to walk 25 miles a day over four days.

In one respect she got off lightly though, because men under the age of fifty are required by the event's rules to carry 10-kilo packs.

Blisters and fatigue are commonplace in the event, but it is the atmosphere that keeps marchers going and ensures they come back year after year.

Nijmegan's record holder was returning for the 66th time this year.

Residents of the town line the streets to encourage and support the entrants, offering drinks and sweets.

The final parade, at the end of the event is marked with live bands and well wishers handing out armfuls of flowers.

Jennifer, 27, who joined the army in 1997 and whose parents Tom and Diana live in Ipswich, was taking part in the event for the first time.

She said "I heard that it was really good so I thought I'd give it a go. Loads of people came out to line the streets and that really keeps you going."