A GROUP of eight youngsters from County Durham have taken their first steps towards joining the famous Scots Guards regiment after enlisting into the Army.

All eight joined up at the Army Careers Information Office, at Claypath, in Durham City.

Among them was Adam Ross, of Chester-le-Street, who enlisted after leaving Park View Community School with nine GCSEs.

He said: "I'm really excited about going away to do my training. Staying on at school didn't appeal to me and after doing the Look at Life course, where we got to live like we were in the Army for a week, I knew this was for me. I have always wanted to join the Scots Guards.

Warrant Officer Garry Bennett, senior recruiter at the Durham Army Careers Information Office, said: "Throughout the history of the Scots Guards, County Durham has traditionally been a strong recruiting area, and we are delighted to be seeing that continue with this enlistment.

For further information on joining the Army, visit the Durham Army Careers Information Office or call (0191) 384 7682.