Major Paul Hepworth, 42, was sprayed by ice cold water as he sped through rapids with the army team during the Inter Service Wild Water Kayak Championships on the River Nith, Scotland.

The four miles course has a combination of calm and fast flowing white water – testing competitors' skills to the limit.

Paul, who is serving with the Royal Logistic Corps, said: "It was snowing and there was ice on the rocks but I have known worse conditions. We've only cancelled once when the river froze over.

"This year it was difficult for some of our best paddlers to get here because of the extreme weather and others were on operations so we are very pleased to have won the competition."

Paul, a former Brigshaw High School, has six children with his wife Lisa – Tom, 14, Emily, 13, George, ten, Jack aged five, four-year-old Charlie and toddler Louisa, aged two.

He said: "I started serious paddling when I was at the Army Apprentice College in 1979 training as a chef. I'd done a bit before when I was a Scout so I knew it was fun and a great sport.

"It's ideal being in the army and enjoying sport because all types of fitness training is encouraged and we get tremendous support. The equipment is supplied, we get time to train and take part plus help with transport and accommodation funding.

"I joined up for all the usual reasons, travel, adventure, doing something worthwhile but for me this is the icing on the cake. It's very much an individual race, when you are out there you are on your own and its up to you and your skills to get down the course, it's the fastest who wins.

"I also get tremendous backing from my wife – with six children to look after her support in letting me get away to compete is essential."

Paul's mother, Sheila, still lives in Kippax,

Top canoeists from all three services take part in the event, which dates back to the late 1960s.