Biggar soldier passes out with flying colours

Private James Gray was part of Europe’s largest military graduation parade at the North Yorkshire base after his basic Army training.

He said: “I’ve been caving, taken part in a series of tactical exercises, and especially enjoyed the challenge of a night time navigation exercise. The AFC has really given me some great opportunities.”

Nearly 4,000 relatives and friends turned out to watch as the new soldiers passed out, in a parade which is the second largest for the British Army, beaten in size only by the Trooping of the Colour.

The soldiers have all completed training which combines military skills with education in key subjects such as numeracy and literacy, as well adventure training and sports, culminating in a 30-hour patrol across the Yorkshire Dales.