A boy's dream of serving Queen and country is coming true - after he applied to join the Army at the tender age of seven.

Little Daniel Keating wrote a letter to the Army Careers Service telling them he wanted to sign up as soon as possible.

With help from 12-year-old brother David, and permission from mum Jane Keating, 34, Daniel put his dreams down on paper and posted them to Chelmsford Army Careers Centre in Duke Street, Chelmsford.

Staff Sgt Joe Dooley, the Chelmsford-based recruitment officer who opened Daniel's letter, said: "When we received the letter, we couldn't resist answering Daniel's request.

"Unfortunately, he is not old enough to join the cadets but we wanted to give him a taste of Army life as he is obviously so enthusiastic."

So in true Jim'll Fix It style, the Army invited Daniel and brother David to meet recruiters at the Chelmsford Army Careers Centre on Wednesday - and presented the little soldiers with their own official Army combats, made by the same people who outfit the British Army.

Mrs Keating, of Lime Walk, Chelmsford, said: "A few weeks ago he asked me if he could write to the Army. "I told him to go for it and asked his brother to help him with the letter.

"I never really thought anything would come of it. I couldn't believe it when I got the call and they said they were making combats for Daniel and David and inviting them along."

"For the last two years, Daniel has been fascinated with the Army. He is convinced that he wants to join the Army when he is older and is counting down the days until he is 13 so he can join the cadets."

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