Private Stewart Smith made family and friends proud at his passing out parade last week after more than six months of tough training.

The 18-year-old from Saxon Road, Eastfield, Peterborough, was also awarded the best new recruit award after showing dedication and determination throughout his training period in North Yorkshire.

Now Pte Smith will move to Pirbright, in Surrey, as he continues his training with the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment and prepares to fly out to Iraq in May next year.

He said: “Being a soldier is just something I always wanted to do. Training was tough, not far from what you see on programmes like Bad Lad’s Army. We had to work hard, but that’s what it is all about.

“It is nice to have achieved something with my life.

“In the area I live in, there are a lot of people who don’t have any ambitions but I can now say I have made something of my life.

“I haven’t really had time to think about going to Iraq as it seems like a lifetime away but I know I will be preparing for it more in the next few months.

“My family, friends and girlfriend are all proud of me.”

Pte Smith’s mum Debbie added: “Stewart has never been one to laze about, he always knew what he wanted to do with his life and that was to be a soldier.

“His passing out parade was absolutely brilliant. I shed a few tears because I was just so proud of what he has achieved for himself.

“I am scared at the thought of him going out to Iraq but I also know it is what he has always wanted to do.”

Owner of the Supersavers store in Norman Road, Eastfield, Haq Nawaz added: “Saxon Road gets a bad press, so it is wonderful to hear that Stewart has become a fine example to others.

“I feel that, as a society, we should acknowledge such achievements and encourage others to do something similar.”