A BURNLEY teenager has secured a place in one of the oldest regiments in the Armed Forces.

Chris Wigan, 17, of Ightenhill, was told he was “made for the Coldstream Guards” by his commanding officer as the teenager is 6ft 7ins tall.

The soldier, who is the same height as England striker Peter Crouch, will start his training in Catterick in January.

He said: “Because of my age I was advised to go the 42-week army foundation course which is part education, part military.

“I have always wanted to be in the army and I am looking forward to starting in January.

“They said I was perfect for the Guards because of my height, and I was the tallest in my group.

“I’ve always been tall, and my family are tall.”

The Coldstream Guards is the oldest regiment in continuous active service, originating in Coldstream, Scotland in 1650.

The motto for Chris’ new regiment is “Nulli Secundus” which means Second to None.

Some of the prominent roles which Chris will undertake with the Coldstreamers include providing a guard for the Queen's birthday parade, the state opening of parliament, trooping the colour, and the Remembrance Sunday parade.

The regiment currently has troops fighting in Afghanistan, however, Chris’ training will be finished after the Coldstreamers return to the UK.

Chris has been a hit with the competitive sports set up in the army.

He added: “I really enjoy playing sports for the army and my height does help me obviously.

“I recently represented the group in a Water Polo tournanment in Aldershot which was great.

“That is something I will continue to do with the armed forces.”