A junior soldier joined hundreds of other teenagers for one of the largest graduation parades in Europe.

Lucy Middleton from Harrow was one of 500 people to graduate from the Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

The ceremony marked the end of a year of hard work by teenagers from across the country to become junior soldiers in the British Army.

Private Middleton, who hopes to go on to join Royal Artillery Regiment, said: "When I look at how far I’ve come it’s amazing.

"I have learnt and accomplished a lot, and more than anything I’ve come to see the value of respect and loyalty."

Each young soldier spent 20 hours rehearsing for the graduation parade last week which was watched by thousands of family members.