LOWTON soldier Lance Corporal Mike Morgan could soon be enforcing law and order after successfully completing the tough course to become a military policeman.

Mike, 20, is one of a select group of young soldiers who can now wear the striking red beret of the army's police and be sent to any of the worldwide military bases.

To become a Royal Military Police (RMP) officer Mike had to undergo 21 weeks of dedicated work and long hours of study. After being selected for training he and other candidates had to cover all aspects of law and order and prove their ability to deal with suspects and victims in any situation.

Combine all this with a demanding physical training course and it is no surprise the drop-out rate is high -- so Mike can wear his red beret with pride.

He said: "I joined the RMP because they offer the specialised courses I wanted. I'd like to do close protection work as soon as I can because I like the excitement and challenge.

"My father was in the army and then a civilian policeman when I was young so I got an idea what it was all about and that made me keen.

"The course is tough and quite academic, it has been hard work but well worth it. Now I'm ready for my first posting which is most likely to be at a barracks rather than somewhere like the Gulf."

Mike went to St Aelred's High at Newton-le-Willows. His parents Terence and Eileen live in Lowton.