A TEENAGER from Thornaby began work as a trainee hairdresser but later switched to a career in the Army.

Signaller Jenny Ingram, 18, is now back on Teesside to talk to young people about the training, travel and sporting opportunities they too could access as part of an Army career.

After leaving Bassleton School, in Thornaby, Jenny worked as a trainee hairdresser but soon decided she wanted to do something more challenging.

After considering different career options, she enlisted in the Royal Corps of Signals and completed her trade training as a signaller technician with the 11th Signals Regiment.

She is now spending a week at the Middlesbrough Armed Forces Careers Office in the town's Borough Road, before going on to her first posting.

Warrant Officer Graydon Williams said: "Jenny has grasped every opportunity that has come along with both hands and has already packed a huge amount into a very short time.

"As someone who has recently been through initial training, Jenny is ideally placed to answer any questions that young people might have about enlisting, and I'd urge them to come along and talk to her.