HOT shot soldiers of Southampton's Territorial Army regiment have picked up seven top prizes in a national artillery competition.

Soldiers from the 106 Regiment Royal Artillery won seven out of eight live firing trophies and also picked up the coveted Queen's Cup for best overall regiment in the contest.

Throughout 2007, the regiment's three batterys, who are based in Southampton, Wolverhampton and at Grove Park in South London, were judged and tested on their artillery firing and other military skills.

They picked up the awards at a ceremony in London which recognised the regiments skill at firing hi-tech missiles systems such as shoulder firing weapons used to attack enemy helicopters to protect infantry soldiers on the ground.

Four of the trophies were awarded to the regiment for their skills in aircraft recognition, driving, first aid, and navigation.

Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Mike Waymouth said, "It was a long competition and I have been impressed at the sustained commitment of all of my soldiers over a long and busy year."

"Each of our batterys has won at least one trophy and every one of our soldiers has contributed to the award of the Queen's Cup, we have truly achieved something to be proud of," he added.