A LYDNEY man has lived up to his recent title as SAS Iron Man after winning three major awards in the space of six months.

Anthony Callaghan tackled the SAS Summer Fan Dance race to defend his master champion title from the SAS Winter Fan Dance race. He completed it in 2hrs 55mins.

Loaded with a 35lb rucksack, Anthony took to Pen-y-Fan, the highest point in the Brecon Beacons, where he had to finish a 24km trek in a set time.

He said: "My prize was another framed map of the route, with the parachute and SAS badges as well as an expensive Nato watch engraved, 'SAS Summer Fan Dance 2015 Champion'. These were presented by SAS legend, 'Big Phil' Campion. He also signed his book Born Fearless and referred to me as 'number one master'.

"The following day I was invited to some training with the ex-SAS team and take part in other SAS selection test marches, which is open to military and civilians who have proved themselves. It is also as a tester if they wish to apply for selection.

"After completing the courses we did SAS Iron Man. We had a kit list to fill in our Bergen (backpack) and it had to weigh 40lb plus 10lb of food/water. We were not told in advance where the start was as it's restricted information.

"We were led to the start where you are given a six-figure grid reference for your next RV (rendezvous).

"You are not told the route, how many RVs or distance to travel. You have to be prepared to keep going until you are told EndEx (end of exercise), this is final RV. I am now SAS Iron Man master champion and presented with my award by ex-SAS Ken Jones.

"When he introduced me to give me my award, he said: 'He may not look like much, but believe me he is as hard as nails'. I thought after, is that what you would call 'a backhanded compliment'? Either way, I'll accept any compliment from a legend such as him.

"I am now, SAS Winter Fan Dance, SAS Iron Man and SAS Summer Fandance Master Champion. I have another test march next month, but details are not released."