eight youngsters have taken their first steps towards joining the famous Scots Guards regiment after enlisting.

All eight joined up at the Army Careers Information Office, at Claypath, in Durham City. Among them was Adam Ross, from Chester-le-Street, who enlisted after leaving Park View Community School with nine GCSEs. He said: "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."

Warrant Officer Garry Bennett, senior recruiter, 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."

For more information on joining up, visit the Durham Army Careers Information Office or call 0191-384 7682