An Alloa lad is one of over 500 junior soldiers to graduate from the Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

Private Dillon Allan joined teenagers from all over the country taking part in Europe’s largest military graduation parade at Uniacke Barracks last month, after completing their training to become soldiers for various regiments of the British Army.

They will now begin the next part of their specialist training where they will learn how to do their jobs at home and on operations.

Dillon, who is going to Catterick to start his infantry training, said, “I chose this career for a challenge, and I got that at the AFC, but it has been one of the most satisfying things I have ever accomplished. My family have all told me they’re proud of me, and passing out has been a huge step forward.” Each year, the prestigious AFC Harrogate takes in 1350 school-leavers who are given the opportunity to learn military skills, gain essential qualifications and develop as a person, while at the same time getting paid throughout their training.

Nearly 4000 relatives and friends turned out to watch as the new soldiers passed out, in a parade which is the second largest for the British Army, beaten in size only by the Trooping of the Colour.

Each junior soldier rehearses for about 20 hours in preparation for the graduation parade.