TEENAGERS from Basingstoke, who are hoping to embark on a career in the military, showed off their skills and celebrated their achievements at a special event.

The 70 16 to 18-year-olds from the Basingstoke and Farnbor-ough bases of the Military Preparation College joined around 100 guests at a presentation day, where they took part in various outdoor demonstrations, including drills, physical training and a gun run race.

Guests then heard from speakers before awards were handed out by Huw Moores, employer engagement manager.

All candidates on the course were given a certificate of achievement to mark their progress at the college, and special awards were given to those who showed outstanding achievement in specific areas.

Mark Third, from the Basingstoke training college, was presented with the Best Academic Award by George Mars, from the Royal British Legion, and he also received the Most Inspiring Learner Award, presented by Neelam Rai, a Hampshire police community support officer.

Mark, 18, said: “After joining MPCT in June, I have gained a great deal of fitness and confidence and receiving these awards has added to my confidence greatly. I now feel I am ready to pass Royal Navy fitness requirements.”

Henrie Beck, 15, from MPCT Basingstoke, who was awarded the Best at Physical Training Award, said: “My dad served in the Hampshire Regiment and my brother is currently serving in the First Battalion, and I wanted to make them proud with my progress at the Military Preparation College and this award will do just that.”

And Charlie Williams, 17, who received the Most Improved Learner Award, said: “I joined the Military Preparation College to gain confidence after a rough patch in my personal life.

“I have been here for 52 weeks now and it really has been the best time of my life and being given this award has boosted my confidence even more and motivated me further for my eventual goal of joining the First Battalion.”

Sangram Limbu, from MPCT Basingstoke, was awarded The Player’s Player accolade after being nominated by fellow learners, while Chayce Thomas, also from the Basingstoke college, was presented with the Most Promising Learner Award by Professor Khalid Aziz, deputy lord-lieutenant of Hampshire.

Mr Moores, who presented some of the awards, said: “This presentation day was a wonderful opportunity for our learners to show off their new found skills, their teamwork and their self-confidence. I congratulate every one of our students for what they have achieved over the past year.”