A MALVERN teenager was one of 18 new army recruits to pledge their allegiance to Queen and country at Worcester’s Guildhall.

The 13 junior recruits all aged between 16 and 17 joined five senior recruits for the attestation ceremony on Thursday, September 6, led by Major David Manners, in front of Mayor of Worcester Councillor Roger Berry and their proud friends and families.

Madison McCollum from Malvern expressed her excitement after pledging her allegiance.

The 16-year-old former Dyson Perrins CE Academy pupil will be joining the Royal Artillery.

She said: “I’ve always wanted to do it. It’s been taking ages, but I’m looking forward to it now. I chose the Royal Artillery because it looked good.”

The junior recruits began their military career at the Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate this week. The AFC offers a combination of training for young recruits before they move on to their chosen regiments and corps.