A young soldier who has graduated from an Army training college is back home in Durham, explaining careers in the service to others.

Trooper Christopher Yard, 18, is in the Claypath Army Careers Information Office in Claypath until Friday, September 21, where he enlisted, before taking up his first posting with the Light Dragoons.

The former pupil of Durham Gilesgate Sports College and Sixth Form Centre won a place at the Army Foundation College, in Harrogate.

He spent a year there, learning leadership, military and survival skills.

He also studied for various NVQs and tried sports including rock climbing, abseiling and canoeing, earning a full junior soldier's wage of up to £189-a-week while he was there.

He went on to complete the rest of his basic Army training.

Christopher is talking to local youngsters about the travel, training and sports available as part of an Army career and what the Army Foundation College (AFC) can offer would-be recruits.

Warrant Officer Steve Harriman, senior recruiter at the office, said: "The Army Foundation College offers young people the chance to both develop core military skills and to continue to study for NVQ qualifications, which will be useful in both the military and civilian worlds, while receiving an excellent wage for doing so.

"Christopher's success is an excellent example of what AFC students can achieve, both on a career and a personal level.''

Anyone aged 16 to 17 can apply for a place at the college. Courses start this month and January.

For further information call at the recruiting office or ring 0191-384 7682.