THREE Green Howards soldiers have completed their training with a passing-out parade. The trio, who are all from Teesside, won the congratulations of the commander of the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, former colonel of the regiment Lieutenant General Richard Dannatt, who took the salute at the ceremony at Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire.

Private Andrew Carmen, 18, from Low Grange, Billingham, Private Terry McLoughlin, 21, from Eston, near Middlesbrough, and Private Paul Hamilton, 23, from Hardwick, Stockton, have joined the 1st Battalion, The Green Howards and will fly to Afghanistan next month.

Pte Hamilton's twin brother already serves with the regiment.

Pte Carmen, a former student at St Michael's RC School, in Billingham, said: "My grandfather was a Green Howard, so I'm pleased to be following in his footsteps.''

Pte McLoughlin, said: "I'm looking forward to going to Afghanistan very soon.''