SOLDIER Liam Gatting has passed out from the Army Foundation College after 42 weeks of intensive training.

The former Westlands pupil from Torquay has spent the last year at the army college in Harrogate.

Liam (pictured) left school at 16 to join last September's intake at the prestigious college.

His parents Lee and Nina said: "It has been a tough, but rewarding, year. Liam has been on exercise in all weather conditions and has undertaken leadership and initiative training — he even gained a place in the first squad football team."

Footballing skills come naturally to the new recruit who is still signed on to play for the Hele Rovers.

They added: "We are extremely proud of what Liam has achieved.

"He has grown into a very confident and capable young man and has a very good career in front of him.

"We travelled up to Harrogate for the passing out parade which was really wonderful.

"Although the heavens opened and it poured with rain, it didn't dampen the achievements of all the recruits.

"It was a very special day that none of us will forget."

Liam is now having a well-earned break before going on to his phase two training in Catterick after which he will join his regiment, The Rifles.