A FORMER Irvine squaddie has come fifth in the World’s Toughest Mudder competition.

Scott Brown did his town and country proud this weekend when he competed in what is widely regarded as the most gruelling test of strength and stamina on earth.

The 24-hour obstacle course took place in the Las Vegas desert over the weekend and saw Scott compete on a five-mile track which played host to a series of 25 not-for-the-faint-of-heart challenges such as diving off cliffs, scaling walls and hauling blocks of concrete.

In the Nevada desert temperatures can top out at 25C during the day and drop to 5C at night.

Unlike some of his fellow mudders who compete with teams, Scott took on the might of the course alone and proved he is among the best athletes on the planet by placing fifth in the world and first in Europe.

Scott said: “That was one of the hardest 24 hours of my life. I’m over the moon to finish fifth in the world and first in Europe.”

Scott also thanked his loyal girlfriend Kerri Hyslop who literally stayed by his side every step of the way.

He said: “Without Kerri that race would have been complete torture. She was there every step of the way with encouragement. 

"It is by far the toughest event on the planet for sure, the field was stacked with amazing athletes even more than you could imagine. 

“I finished fifth in the world and top European and I’m over the moon. Not possible without my sponsor carselect1.com

“I can’t believe the support I’ve got from home it is unreal. 

"I felt really emotional finding out that everyone at home was rooting for me. I just want to thank them all so much.”