After only 20 weeks in the Army, Private James Lavery of the Logistic Corps has already gained distinction by winning the trophy for best at physical training in his platoon.
The inspecting officer Brigadier Simon Caraffi presented Pte Lavery his prize, an engraved pewter tankard, during his passing-out parade.
A former pupil of Blackfyne Comprehensive School, in Consett, Pte Lavery joined the Army in July and has just completed basic training at the Army Training Regiment Bassingbourn, in Hertfordshire.
The training is an arduous 20-week course during which Pte Lavery was instructed in a wide range of subjects covering physical training, first aid, survival techniques and marksmanship principles.
He also spent two weeks adventure training in Crowborough, Kent, where he learnt to rock climb, abseil, canoe and navigate using a compass and map.
Pte Lavery, who is looking forward to a full Army career, said: "The Army teaches you to look out for your mates, that's the most important thing."
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