A TEENAGER is following in his father's footsteps by embarking on a career with the military.

Sam Mendham, 18, enlisted into the Army at the Catterick Army careers' information office.

The teenager has signed up to become a driver with the Royal Engineers.

His father, Stefan Mendham, is a former sergeant with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

By coincidence, he once served alongside senior Army recruiter, Sergeant Jason Gray.

Mr Mendham, from Catterick Garrison, said: "I'm really proud that Sam has decided to follow in my footsteps with an Army career, although I couldn't believe it when Sam came back from the careers office and told me who the recruiter there was.

"Jason and I worked alongside each other in the REME for two years, so it was quite a coincidence."

Sam, a former Risedale Community College pupil, will undertake his basic training with the Army Training Regiment Lichfield.

He said: "I've always wanted to join the Army.

"I spent a lot of time when I was really young abroad because dad was in the Army, and I knew that I wanted a life like that for myself one day."