LYDNEY resident Tony Callaghan has once again taken on Pen y Fan, the highest mountain in the Brecon Beacons, and won.

On Saturday, July 2, Tony was invited to defend his title as current SAS winter and summer Fan Dance master champion.

Tony told the Review: “I did it for the fourth time and won.The Fan Dance is a gruelling 24km march over Pen y Fan, twice. This is a test march that forms part of the selection process for the Special Air Service (SAS) and the Special Boat Service (SBS).

“The event is extremely well run by former SAS and SBS personnel and is open to military and civilian entrants. The camaraderie amongst organisers and participants is fantastic.

You can compete in the load bearing category, which requires you to carry a weighted bergen, or in the clean fatigue category which has no weight requirement. It is very popular and staged over two days, involving about 1,000 people.”

Before competing, entrants are assessed to check they are fit to continue. Tony entered on the first day and said: “My kit list in the bergen weighed 25lb, plus four litres of water, a hot flask and food. My winning time was 2hrs 55mins.”

Not content with this win, Tony accompanied his wife Sue, who chose to compete in the clean fatigue category, on the following day.

He said: “My prize was a framed map of the route, with the SAS winged dagger and parachute badges. I was also awarded a prestigious Nite watch.”