From being a trainee plumber to guarding the Queen — a former pupil of Tavistock College is celebrating one of the most exciting 12 months of his life after realising his dream to become a member of the Life Guards, part of the Household Cavalry Regiment.

Joshua Phillips, 18, attended Tavistock College, and finished the first year of a plumbing course before deciding to join the Army.

Joshua successfully completed selection at Pirbright Barracks in Surrey before carrying out his basic training in Hertfordshire.

Joshua, who passed out in April, said: 'It was a long and tough experience but it was 14 weeks I'll never forget.'

The second part of his training was at Windsor Barracks, learning to ride horses. 'Within 16 weeks I became confident in riding, show jumping and horse care. The best was yet to come as I then moved to Hyde Park Barracks in London where I did six weeks of intense ceremonial training which led to my final passing out parade last month.'

But since passing out, Joshua has had little time to relax.

'So far I have been on guard at Horse Guard Parade in Whitehall and was chosen with my troop to escort the Queen and the Indian president to Windsor Castle. I've also been on guard inside Buckingham Palace.

'To me, the toughest part of the job is the cleaning and upkeep of my state kit and my horse's kit as inspections are very thorough.

'Getting up at five in the morning is harsh and even my horse has his breakfast before me.

'My plans are to work alongside the Paratroopers. My Regiment has a parachute trained squadron who work as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade. My next goal is to pass the All Arms Parachute Course and wear the world famous maroon beret and parachute wings.'

Joshua is taking part in an Army adventure training course in France. He will serve for two more years in Knightsbridge before moving to Windsor where he will learn to operate armoured fighting vehicles.