A soldier has been deployed to Belize to learn how to fight in the jungle.

Sergeant Steve Phipps, from Tottenham, serving with 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, travelled to the Central American country to carry out an intense training course.

The exercise, given the code name Exercise Mayan Warrior, involved training deep in the heart of Belize’s rainforest to learn how to navigate and survive amidst the dangers beneath the canopies.

It is not the first time Mr Phipps has been on exercise in Belize – in 1997, he took part in Exercise Native Trail and has enjoyed returning.

He said: “It is great to be back, I love being in the jungle, as jungle warfare training is the most enjoyable of all the training we receive.”

“Being in the jungle is a real test of all your soldiering skills, as you need to look after yourself, your kit and your weapon. It can really bond a unit.”

Growing up in Suffolk, Steve has always been passionate about ceremonial duty and army life.

At 13-years-old, he joined the Air Cadets and was part of the 1451 Haverhill Sqn Air Training Corp.

He recalls it was his Cadet instructor, Alan Yates, who influenced his decision to join the army after always choosing him for wreath laying on Remembrance Day. Steve said: “I will never forget that name, he is the reason I am where I am today!”

Steve now lives in Tottenham with his wife Beverley and three children: George, 10, Henry, 7, and Thomas, 5.

His role in the UK is the Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance Colour Sergeant however, in Belize he has taken on a very different role.

Mr Phipps has been spending his deployment assisting with defence engagement and supporting the Media Support Scheme the unit have organised to promote and inform the public about Exercise Mayan Warrior.

Next year, the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards re-role into ceremonial duties, including marking the Queen’s official birthday in the spectacular annual ceremony, Trooping the Colour on Horse Guards Parade.

He added: “That is one of the reasons I joined the Battalion. You get the best of both worlds- to carry out your ceremonial duties and develop your soldiering skills.”

Mr Phipps will not be involved in the Trooping the Colour next year as he will be posted to Chicksands as Chief Instructor of field training for the Intelligence Corps.

But he says he is looking forward to his next adventure after Belize and completing his final three years in the British Army after 22 years of service.