A SOLDIER is helping students build a missile.

Territorial Army soldier Steve Corner is working with students from Darlington College to build a replica missile.

Lance Corporal Corner is hoping to provide the students with an insight into Army life through the project, which will see them build a missile similar to one used to train tradesmen by the 102 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

LCpl Corner, of Ferryhill, said: “Through 102 Battalion REME I can gain access to some of the best technical training aids and exercises which are the same as those used by regular tradesmen at the British Army’s School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.

“Eventually I want to become an artificer with the Territorial Army so I would be responsible for making sure our latest kit is serviceable and maintained and we are ready to go into theatre or on peacetime deployments.

“It’s exactly the type of role my HND and HNC engineering students could go on to do, so hopefully with this partnership they can get a real insight into the Army.”

The 36-year-old serves as a vehicle mechanic and electrician in the Territorial Army and is a former member of the Royal Marines Reserves.