TWO east Durham teenagers were among hundreds of junior soldiers who celebrated their graduation in a military passing out parade.

Ben Healy, 17, of Peterlee and Owen Ryan, 16, of Seaham, graduated with their peers at the Army Foundation College, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

They will now go on to join specialist units within the British Army.

Jr Soldier Healy will go on to serve with the Royal Armoured Corps, while Jr Soldier Ryan, will go on to serve with the Royal Artillery.

The passing out parade marked the completion of the soldiers’ British Army Junior Entry training at Uniacke Barracks, where they are all paid to train.

Jr Soldier Healy said: “Graduating from AFC Harrogate in front of my friends and family is something that I am very proud of doing. They are all really proud and happy for me.”