AFTER only 20 weeks in the Army, Sapper Michael Dawson of the Corps of Royal Engineers has already gained distinction by winning the trophy for Best Recruit in his training troop.

AFTER only 20 weeks in the Army, Sapper Michael Dawson of the Corps of Royal Engineers has already gained distinction by winning the trophy for Best Recruit in his training troop.

Michael, 17, worked hard to produce excellent results throughout his training and proving to be an outstanding team member.

The Inspecting Officer Colonel G J T Rafferty, late Royal Corps of Signals presented the trophy, an engraved pewter tankard, to Michael during his Pass Off parade this month.

A former pupil at Holywells School, Ipswich, Michael joined the army in September 2001 and has just completed his basic training at the Army Training Regiment Bassingbourn in Hertfordshire.

The training is an arduous 20-week course during which Michael was instructed in a wide range of subjects covering physical training, first aid, infantry tactics and marksmanship principles.

He also spent three weeks adventure training in Surrey, where he rock climbed, canoed, mountain biked and learnt to navigate using a map and compass.

Michael also took part in a troop charity event, which managed to raise a staggering £1,700 for the Army Benevolent Fund.

He has high hopes for the Army and hopes to enjoy a full career while travelling to interesting places around the world. After a well-earned rest his training will continue in Minley where he will receive specialist training in combat engineering.