A SOLDIER from Weymouth received a top prize when graduating from the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

Junior Soldier Max Wensley, 17, was awarded the Sapper Cup for ‘Best Junior Soldier Engineers’ at the college, which caters for 16-year-olds.

He said: “I am very pleased and honoured that I have been recognised for my effort throughout my time at the AFC, it gives me a huge sense of pride and achievement.”

Max joined the Army Foundation College in September last year for a unique 42-week course which combines vocational education and military training.

He has gained a Level 2 City and Guilds apprenticeship for Information Technology.

Lieutenant Colonel Oz Lane, the College’s Commanding Officer, said: “The prize awarded to soldier Wensley is the culmination of 12 months of hard work and dedication.

“He can be rightly proud of his achievements at the college and we wish him well as he goes forward to further training.”

Max will now undertake the second phase of his training at the Royal Engineers establishment before joining 35 Royal Engineers.

The Army Foundation College opened in 1998 and provides training for soldiers destined for all the Army’s many career paths. It now provides training for 1344 junior soldiers, taking in students twice a year in September and March.