A YOUNG soldier was one of hundreds to take part in a military passing out parade recently.

Darlington teenager Cameron Villiers is celebrating graduating from Harrogate's Army Foundation College, and plans to serve with the Rifles, the largest infantry regiment in the British army.

The 17-year-old former Hummersknott Academy student 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. I’m now really looking forward to the next stage of my Army career.”

The passing out parade, organised in a bid to recognise and reward the effort and determination shown by junior soldiers, marks the completion of their entry training, which was undertaken at Uniacke Barracks.

Anyone interested in job opportunities with the Army, should visit army.mod.uk/belong.