A former Birkenhead High School Academy pupil has been awarded with a top prize after graduating from the Army Foundation College.

Robyn Locke, 17, has been named as 'Best Junior Soldier' from the Corps of Army Music intake at the Harrogate based military training college.

The teenage soldier was presented with her prize as part of a passing out parade from the college.

Junior Soldier Locke said: “I was initially shocked and felt very honoured and proud to be the first person to win the prize after all the work I’d put in over the last six months.”

More than 2,000 family members and friends witnessed 400 Junior Soldiers take part in the largest military graduation parade in the country.

Commanding officer at the College lieutenant colonel Rich Hall said: "Eleven months ago the Junior Soldiers of Waterloo Company embarked upon this journey, and they were joined six months ago by those of Cambrai Company.

“It has been long, hard and, at times, emotional. Some have not been able to cope with the many challenges faced and have not made it to the end.

"Those graduating have proved equal to the test, and they stand before you on parade, proud of their achievements, and looking forward to the next stage of training before joining their respective Battalions and Regiments.

“These soldiers represent the very best of our nation’s young people. I have no doubt that they are fully prepared for their second phase of training which will be every bit as important as what they have achieved to date.

"Looking ahead, I am certain that they will acquit themselves well in the Field Army."