THE ambition and dedication of soon-to-be army recruits was celebrated in a special event for family, friends and soldiers.

A total of 10 young people from across Cumbria and the Scottish Borders swore their oath to Queen and country at an enlistment ceremony at the Civic Centre in Carlisle on Monday morning.

The ceremony is the final step before training to become military personnel begins for the 16 and 17-year-olds.

On Sunday they will all make their way to the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, where they will complete their initial army training.

Upon completing this training in August they will then be sent to start full training, where they will learn the skills needed to fulfill their speciality.

Hosting the ceremony was Major Retired Marc Steventon MBE, who has recently stood down after serving 41 years in the army.

He said: “We think it is important that the local community, civilian and troops, recognise the contribution they are about to give to the army and country.

“They have decided to pursue a career that is appealing, challenging and exciting.

“It is an instrument of government and we have to be prepared to go anywhere the government wants us to go.

“Because of that we think it is right and fitting that this contribution is recognised.”

Explaining his decision to join the army was Jack Martin of Wigton.

The 16-year-old, who knew he wanted to be in the army from the age of four, said: “I come from a big military family, so I wanted to do something similar to them.

“I was interested by the qualifications and that I will come out and get a nice paying job.

“I am going to be a vehicle mechanic (in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers).”

Robert Dennis, 16, who lives just outside of Thursby and will train to be a Combat Medical Technician, commented: “I didn’t like sixth form.

“You get good money, qualifications and I will be able to help people.

“I thought about it a lot when I left sixth form.”

Seventeen-year-old Cameron Kirk, who will train to be a Plant Operator Mechanic, said: “I want to go into the REME (The Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers).

“I don’t want to be in a shop stacking shelves.

“It is something I have wanted to do for a long time.

“I have known for the last seven years.”