Soldier Sam passes military training

The 17-year-old was among hundreds of junior soldiers who graduated at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

The parade marked the completion of the soldiers' British Army Junior Entry training at Uniacke Barracks and follows months of hard work culminating in a gruelling, 30-hour battle camp challenge across the Yorkshire Dales.

They will now go on to serve in various Corps and Regiments of the British Army to begin the next part of their specialist training.

Sam, who will be going on to serve with The Royal Engineers, said: “Graduating from AFC Harrogate in front of my friends and family is something that I am very proud of doing.

“As a Junior Soldier you learn core life skills such as leadership, teamwork and determination.  

“I have made loads of friends and met new people, and have become much more confident in my own ability.

“The course has been really hard work but the sense of achievement in graduating has made it worth it.”