A TEENAGER has graduated from Army school to join the Royal Anglians.

Thomas Stafford from Colchester enjoyed his military passing our parade at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

It marked the completion of the 17-year-old’s British Army Junior Entry training which included a 30-hour battle camp challenge across the Yorkshire Dales.

Junior soldier Stafford, who previously attended Philip Morant School and College, said his family and friends were proud of him.

He said: “As a junior soldier you learn core life skills such as leadership, teamwork and determination.

I have made loads of friends and met new people, and have become much more confident in my own ability.

“I’ve been paid really well for someone of my age and I’ve got some useful qualifications. I’m now looking forward to the next stage of my army career.”

Every year, the college takes in 1,350 school leavers in two intakes and the Army pays the young recruits more than £1,000 a month.

Once junior soldiers graduate, they can access pay reviews and promotion paths.

The junior entry programme combines military skills with education and training in the UK and in other countries across the world.

The Army claims to be Britain’s largest apprenticeship provider, covering more than 45 technical trades.