INNERLEITHEN soldier David Meldrum has proved to be the star pupil during his recruit training.

The 20-year-old Fusilier won two army awards after successfully completing the Combat Infantryman’s Course at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick, North Yorkshire.

His platoon commander, Captain Nick Bowler, told the Peeblesshire News: “Fusilier Meldrum has been awarded the Best Recruit prize and, unusually, also been voted by his peers as their Soldiers’ Soldier.

“To receive both these awards is testament to his excellent performance. He is already showing leadership potential and I’m sure he’ll do well in his battalion.” Fusilier Meldrum will receive his awards at the pass out parade ceremony at the Infantry Training Centre today (Friday).

David, who worked as a lab technician before joing the army, is delighted with the honours.

He told us: “Before I joined the army my job as a microbiology lab analyst was interesting at the start, but after six months it began to be a bit repetitive.

“My younger brother, Ryan, had already joined the army and he was telling me how he was having a brilliant time, so I thought I would follow in his footsteps.

“The course at Catterick was tough - sometimes you think you’re having the worst time in the world, but afterwards you feel a real sense of achievement and you’re having the best time in the world. I’ve worked really hard on the course and I suppose these prizes are the reward for that effort.” Following some well earned leave and two weeks of driver training Fusilier Meldrum will join his new unit The Royal Highland Fusiliers, 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland in Penicuik.