A DARWEN soldier has won a top award after completing his recruitment training.

Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment Kingsman Rhys Forster, 19, was given the Best Recruit prize after he performed to consistently high standards during his Combat Infantryman’s Course at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire.

His platoon commander, Lieutenant Andy Carr, said: “Kingsman Forster has performed at a consistently high standard throughout the course, being diligent and hard working.

“He often exhibits a level of selfless commitment not expected of someone so young. He is very much a team player who also performs well when given extra responsibility.”

Rhys will receive his award at the pass-out parade ceremony at the Infantry Training Centre on July 22.

Rhys said: “It’s a hard course and you need to grit your teeth to get through it – if it was easy it wouldn’t be worth doing.

“It’s good to get an award, and my mum can see I’m not in a boring job that I don’t like.”

Following driver training and after leave, Rhys will join his new unit, the 1st Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, which is based at Catterick.