A TEENAGE girl from St Helens is celebrating after graduating with a military passing out parade in Harrogate.

Emily Carlisle, 17, graduated from The Army Foundation College with the parade which marked the completion of her British Army junior entry training at Uniacke Barracks.

She will go on to serve in the medical corps and next receive specialist training, learning how to do the job both at home and abroad.

The ceremony was the culmination of many months of hard work and those graduating had to complete a 30-hour battle camp challenge across the Yorkshire Dales as a final training exercise.

Former De La Salle pupil Emily, who will serve as a combat medical technician, said: "Graduating from AFC Harrogate in front of my friends and family is something that I am very proud of doing. They are all really proud and happy for me.

"Being a combat medical technician will be a challenge and something different, and it will allow me to help people around the world.

"As a junior soldier you learn core life skills such as leadership, teamwork and determination. I have made loads of friends and met new people, and have become much more confident in my own ability."

General officer commanding, army recruiting and training division, Major General Chris Tickell said: "All the junior soldiers passing out today should be proud of all that they have achieved during their time at AFC Harrogate.

"The training these soldiers go through is tough, but undeniably leads to excellent opportunities for personal and career development and allows people's talents and skills to shine through."