MORE than 400 teenagers braved a hailstorm and marched into the future with their heads held high as they graduated from the Army Foundation College.

They ignored the wintry weather as they took part in their passing-out parade at the Harrogate college under the scrutiny of Major General Paul Nanson, commandant of the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst .

The college's commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Rich Hall said: “These soldiers represent the very best of our nation’s young people. I have no doubt that they are fully prepared for their second phase of training which will be every bit as important as what they have achieved to date. Looking ahead, I am certain that they will acquit themselves well in the Field Army.”