Ch Insp Nick Heelan presenting the best PT award to Mitchell Steele, who also won the most promising award and a prize for public speaking. Picture by Ashley Vaughan.
TEENAGERS with ambitions to join the armed services lined up to meet the Lord Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Maj Gen Martin White, and the Island’s High Sheriff, Nick Hayward.
The youngsters are all taking part in a new course, which has been launched on the Island to help young people, particularly those not in formal education, training or employment, to acquire the skills necessary to join the forces.
The Military Preparation College has been operating since December and has so far managed to have three recruits accepted into the armed forces with others due to be successful soon. The college was based in Newport but has now moved to new premises at Ryde Academy. It involves a range of skills, including physical training, and is free to youngsters if they join before they are 19 thanks to funding from the government.
Lead course instructor Brian Richardson said: "The course gives recruits the chance to acquire skills that will get them through the military selection process."
Anyone wanting to find out more can call Brian on 0789197 6941.
Reporter: davidn@iwcpmail.co.uk