A SOLDIER from the region has won a physical training award after only 22 weeks in the Army.
Sapper Christopher Ward, 17, of the Royal Engineers was judged top of physical training in his training platoon.
The former pupil of Risedale Community College, at Catterick Garrison, received an engraved pewter tankard at his passing out parade in Hertfordshire.
Sapper Ward joined the Army in September last year and completed basic training at the Army Training Regiment, Bassingbourn, in Hertfordshire.
The 20-week course covered physical training, first aid, survival training and weapon handling. He also spent two weeks on adventure training, where he learned to rock climb, abseil, canoe and navigate using map and compass.
Two days were spent in France and Belgium on a tour of World War battlegrounds.
Sapper Ward will continue his training at the Royal School of Military Engineering in Minley, Surrey, with specialist combat engineer training before joining the Field Army.
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