A YOUNG Rayleigh Cadet has just joined the ranks of a prestigious regiment.

David Spencer, 18, has passed out from the Guards training camp in Catterick, Yorkshire, having completed 28 weeks of gruelling training as a Grenadier Guard.

The former pupil of Our Lady of Ransom, Rayleigh, and St Thomas More High School, Westcliff, has been involved in ceremonial duties already, guarding the Jewel House at the Tower of London.

The new guardsman joined C Company Army Cadets, in Rayleigh, at the age of 12, and left to join the Army having made rank of staff sergeant.

David will be on ceremonial duties guarding Royal palaces, taking part in the Trooping of the Colour and Remembrance Day services and as a fully trained soldier, he will be part of the British forces in Afghanistan and possibly Iraq.

His father Barry said: “We are so very proud of his achievement in becoming a Grenadier Guard, he looks fantastic in his uniform and bearskin.”