COLOUR Sergeant Ross McNab is now tuned in to the needs of the 21st Century Army, thanks to Darlington College, at Catterick.

The 33-year-old warrant officer with the 1st Battalion of the King's Regiment is being trained as an instructor and will be among the first wave to help introduce new combat radio equipment.

Over the past year, the British Army has been assessing the Bowman digital radio network, which is seen as essential equipment for modern warfare.

The equipment will be phased-in over the next seven years, and Sgt McNab, whose unit is based at Catterick Garrison's Bourlon Barracks, will be responsible for training soldiers in how to use it.

"The system also uses a computer, so it is essential to get the basics down and achieve the European Computing Driving Licence," he said.

Working all day at the college's Linear Park campus, Sgt McNab managed to achieve all seven ECDL modules in just over two weeks.

College tutor Christos Katsambis said: "I really admire his dedication. He just came in and committed himself to the project."

Sgt McNab said: "I wish I'd done it years ago. I was self-taught on the computer and the course has really helped me.

"The college is really user-friendly, and while each module started with the basics, it became more complex and has helped me find a host of shortcuts."