A SOLDIER has won two army awards after completing his recruit training.

Rifleman Sam Lavender, 24, from Newton Hall, Durham, has successfully completed the Combat Infantryman’s Course at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick Garrison.

His platoon commander, Sergeant Collet Jowah, said: “Rifleman Lavender has been awarded the Best Recruit prize as well as being voted the Soldiers’ Soldier by his fellow recruits.

“It’s unusual for one person to get both of these awards, so he has done really well.

“He is a mature character and has been a role model for the rest of the platoon.”

Rifleman Lavender received his awards at a pass out parade in the Infantry Training Centre today. (Friday, December 12)

He said: “My dad spent 16 years in the Light Infantry, so it’s no real surprise that I ended up joining the army.

“I went to Cumbria University for a while, but I spent more time rock-climbing than studying.

“I left university and joined the Reserves, and then applied to join the regular army. By the time my application was accepted I had spent two years in the Reserves, which set me up well for going to Catterick Garrison for my training.

“I loved every minute of the training, the instructors are all really operationally experienced and I learned a huge amount.

“I’m sure my time in the Reserves helped me to these awards – but I’ve also been focussed on always doing what I thought was the right thing to do.”