AN award-winning young soldier hopes to follow in his father’s footsteps by joining the same regiment.

Kyal Innes, of Llay, has successfully completed a 42-week basic training course at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate and did so well he was awarded the prize for displaying best leadership potential.

His proud parents looked on as the former pupil at Darland High School, Rossett, was presented with the coveted Cowper Cup by the Princess Royal during his graduation parade.

Kyal started at the college as a junior soldier last September after finishing his education at Darland the previous July.

Kyal now aims to join the Royal Signals to follow in the footsteps of dad Kevin, who was a captain in the same unit.

He has a few weeks leave before he starts six months’ training to be a communications systems operator with the regiment in September.

He said said: “I enjoyed the course very much and all the things we were taught such as leadership, education, navigation skills and adventure training.

“Winning the Cowper Cup was also a great honour because of the number of people in my intake, which started off with 18 platoons with 48 in each platoon.”

He said: “I have wanted to be a soldier for as long as I can remember. I particularly wanted to join the Royal Signals as my dad used to be in the unit.”

Kevin said: “He could not have got off to a better start in his army career.”