Private Lewis Rostron has won a Parachute Regiment award after finishing his recruit training.

The 23-year-old, from Sittingbourne, successfully completed the Combat Infantryman’s Course at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire.

His platoon commander, Captain Ross Lapham, said: “Private Rostron has won the Marsh Trophy. This goes to the recruit who has given the most effort and shown the most improvement on what is a gruelling six month course.

“His excellent character has shone through and this is a well-deserved award.”

Private Rostron will receive his award at the pass out parade ceremony at the Infantry Training Centre this Friday. He will then take some well-earned leave before joining his new unit the 2nd Battalion The Parachute Regiment based in Colchester.

“Becoming a paratrooper seemed like an almost impossible goal when I first thought about it,” he said.

“I wanted to leave the building trade behind and gain some respect, but more important than that, though, I wanted to make my friends and family proud of me.

“The first six weeks or so of the course are tough, mentally as well as physically. I thought I was at my breaking point. The support I got from my friends and family definitely got me through these challenging bits of the course. All I can say is that the hard work paid off, getting this award is brilliant.

“My dad, who was a bit sceptical about me joining, now says it’ll be the happiest day of his life when he sees me on the pass out.”