A soldier from Hartlepool has won a top Army accolade after graduating from his training course top of the class.

Private Brian Pearce was awarded the prize of Best Recruit in Basic Training, after completing his initial training at Winchester, Hampshire.

The 25-year-old enlisted in the Adjutant General's Corps, which is responsible for maintaining the personal documentation and financial administration for the soldiers and officers within their unit, wherever they are located throughout the world.

He is transferring to the Army Air Corps to forge a flying career.