The Bermuda Regiment's first training exercise at Camp Blanding in Florida has been voted an overwhelming success.

One hundred and forty one soldiers from A company and support company spent three weeks at the Florida National Guard training camp near Jacksonville on public order exercises as part of their annual overseas training.

They were joined by two Bermuda firefighters and six Bermuda Police officers, as well as troops from the Royal Gibraltar Regiment and the East of England Regiment.

And 13 members of the Boat Troupe were sent down to Mayport, Florida, to train with the US Coastguard to learn boat handling and search and rescue skills. The troops, who alternate their annual training between Jamaica and another base in Florida, landed back in Bermuda on Saturday.

Regiment commander Colonel Edward Lamb said yesterday: "The exercise was deliberately challenging at all levels, and people learned a great deal.

"It was a very positive experience for everyone. They have a greater level of skills that are mission-related.

"Areas for improvement have been identified and as as result we are going forward to make those improvements. Overall, it was a raging success."