A YOUNG soldier from Torquay who has finished his initial Army training course received an award from a royal visitor.

Gunner Jay Woolway, 19, a former pupil from Westlands School, was presented with the prize for best recruit by the Countess of Wessex at the passing out parade at the Army Training Centre in Pirbright, Surrey.

He was one of 62 recruits on parade seen by family and friends who braved the cold to witness their transition into fully-fledged soldiers.

Jay, a former pupil of South Devon College, described what it meant to win the prize after 14 weeks of rigorous training.

He said: "I have good and bad memories of the course. The worst was being on guard duty at 2am in the rain; it was hard to keep up your motivation but I enjoyed the section attacks and the physical training.

"I'm extremely shocked and surprised to have won the prize, but I'm pleased that I've done well.

"It's a great honour for me to receive the award from a member of the royal family and a very proud moment for me. I'm excited my family got to see it but it did make me nervous knowing they were watching."

Jay and other recruits go on to their specialist trade training for the arm of service they have joined. He has joined the Royal Artillery.

He said: "I joined the Army to get a good career, including a trade and qualifications, and also to play sports and travel. The next step for me is to complete phase two training and go on to the Field Army and operations."

The Countess of Wessex was attending the parade in her capacity as Colonel in Chief of the Queen Anne's Royal Army Nursing Corps and performed the role of inspecting officer for the parade.

After presenting the prizes she addressed the soldiers and their families.