THE spirit of the British Army can be a difficult thing to capture.

The Siege of Mafeking, the D-Day Landings and peacekeeping work may come to mind when you think about the Army and its values.

But there is now an addition to that list: 16-year-old Runcorn soldier Ricky Matthews.

The former Heath Specialist Technical College pupil, who joined the Army in January, has been awarded the Soldier's Medal.

The medal is given to the soldier most embodying the traditional spirit of the Army.

Ricky has completed his basic training at the British Army Training Regiment, Bassing-bourn, Hertfordshire, and he was presented with the medal during his passing-out parade.

Ricky said: 'It is a shame to be leaving Bassingbourn and leaving the platoon, but so far I have loved the hard work and the challenges and I am looking forward to whatever else my career brings.'

The training was a challenging 20-week course covering survival techniques, physical training and marksmanship.

A week was spent on adventure training where Ricky learnt to rock climb, abseil, kayak and navigate using map and compass.

Three days were also spent in France on a tour of First World War battlefields.

Ricky will continue his training at the School of Army Aviation in Middle Wallop, Hampshire, where he will receive specialist training in a wide range of skills before joining the Field Army.