A SOLDIER struck with a pickaxe during an Army exercise is out of danger.

Lance Corporal Konrad Bisping, 26, based at Catterick Garrison, was fighting for his life after emergency surgery following the incident on Salisbury Plain last week.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said yesterday: ''There has been some slight improvement over the weekend. He is still in a serious condition but has now stabilised and is now not considered critical.''

A 17-year-old private, from 1 Battalion the Queen's Lancashire Regiment, has been charged with attempted murder.

He will appear before a youth court tomorrow.