A MAN from Tavistock joined more than 200 officer cadets in a prestigious graduation ceremony at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst.

Gregory Barnes, aged 23, passed out from Sandhurst, marking the completion of 44 weeks of intensive military and academic training, combined with adventurous training and sporting challenges.

As part of the ceremony, all the commissioning officer cadets took part in the Sovereign's Parade in front of Her Majesty's representative, Field Marshal Lord Guthrie.

Gregory Barnes, who will be joining the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, said: 'To commission as an officer in the British Army makes me extremely proud. It's been a challenging but rewarding journey, and one I would encourage others to consider.

'The training and support I have received has been excellent and I cannot wait to start putting it into practice with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

'I'm looking forward to the new opportunities open to me now that I am in the Army, and the chance to make my contribution on both operations and humanitarian projects overseas.'

The ceremony ended in traditional fashion with the adjutant of the college riding a horse up the steps of the old college, following the commissioning officer cadets through the grand entrance.

Lieutenant Colonel Roy Parkinson from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst said: 'I am proud to congratulate our officer cadets on the completion of their training at Sandhurst. Over the past 44 weeks, the officer cadets have demonstrated real dedication, determination and professionalism. I look forward to seeing each of them realise their full potential as they embark on their careers with the army.'

After a formal lunch with friends, family and regimental officers, the day concluded in spectacular style at the exclusive commissioning ball. There, at the stroke of midnight, the newly commissioned Second Lieutenants proudly displayed their rank insignia for the first time.