LATE starter Tom Harris defied all the odds to win the best recruit prize in his army training.

Rifleman Harris, 18, from Trull, scooped the award at the end of his combat infantryman's course in Catterick, North Yorkshire.

He only joined the course halfway through after being injured at the Army Foundation College, in Harrogate.

His platoon commander, Lieut Nick Holmes, said: “He impressed us all with his dedication and commitment to his training. He has shone in all aspects of what is a tough six months.”

Rifleman Harris will receive his award at the pass out parade ceremony at the Infantry Training Centre tomorrow (Friday).

He said: “Being in the army seems to suit my character. I’ve always wanted to be a soldier.

"Being injured at Harrogate meant I had to join a course at Catterick at week ten to finish my training, but what I did there stood me in good stead.

"The later stages of the course at Catterick are more in-depth, tougher aspects of being an infantryman. But that’s my job and I enjoyed it.

"I knew I had to step up to the mark during these later stages of training, and that’s maybe why I got the award."

Once he has completed a fortnight's driver training course, Rifleman Harris will go on leave before joining his new unit, the 1st Battalion The Rifles based in Chepstow.