Christopher Humphries, 16, will be one of the 3,000 recruits who make up the first ever intake to the Army Foundation College when it opens in September.

The prestigious college, in Harrogate, will teach young soldiers leadership personal and military skills.

"We're over the moon with him," said proud stepmother Lesley Humphries.

"He's done that many medicals and physicals and passed all the tests there was to be taken."

The ex Hartford High pupil who lives in Robert Street in Castle, hopes to be a tank driver, gunner or large goods vehicle driver.

And his selection will maintain a family tradition.

Dad Stephen was in the army for 23 years, doing five tours of Ireland and serving in Germany, Cyprus and The Falklands reaching the rank of Sergeant Major.

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