AN Uxbridge teenager has graduated from the Army Foundation College in Europe’s largest military passing-out parade.

Tyler Preston, 18, was one of 450 junior soldiers to graduate from the college in Harrogate on Thursday.

Guardsman Preston will now go on to serve with the Infantry, undergoing further specialist training, to learn how to do a range of jobs both at home and on operations.

Guardsman Preston said: “I’ve always wanted to join the Army and I have friends in the same regiment. Making new friends and building up physical fitness have been the best experiences.

“Signing up for Junior Entry was the best decision I’ve ever made.”

More than 2,800 relatives and friends attended the parade, to watch new soldiers passed out, which involves 20 hours of preparation for each one.

The Army Foundation College offers 1,350 spaces for school-leavers, who are also paid throughout the training.

The course involves training in military skills, numeracy, literacy and adventure training, finishing with a gruelling 30-hour patrol across the Yorkshire Dales.

Brigadier Andrew Jackson, Director of Recruiting and Training for the Army said: “These young soldiers can be very proud of their achievements.

"We are always looking for talented young people to take up the challenge of a career in the Army.”

For more, visit www.army.mod.uk/join/