A HARTLEPOOL teenager who went from student to serving soldier is back on Teesside to talk to young people about starting a career with the Army.

Former St Hild's pupil Christopher Graham, 17, is completing his initial training with the Royal Corps of Signals in Berkshire and is on his way to qualifying as a telecommunications technician with his regiment.

But this week, until Friday, he will be stationed at Middlesbrough Armed Forces Careers Information Office, in Borough Road, to tell youngsters thinking of joining up, what life in the Army is really like.

Warrant Officer Graydon Williams, senior recruiter at Middlesbrough, said: "If a young person is thinking about joining the Army but has questions they want to ask, the best possible person for them to talk to is someone of their own age from their own home area who has just gone through the training.

"Christopher is an excellent example to other young people of how they can go from school leaver to successful soldier in a very short period.

"We are sure he will be able to answer any questions that potential recruits might have."