Ref. 75699-8A FORMER Greendown School student is following in his sister's footsteps by joining the army.

Seventeen-year-old Andy Montier, known as Monty to his friends, has just two weeks of freedom left before he leaves for his basic training in early February.

He will be joining the Army Medical Corps like his sister Helen, 21, who became a student nurse in April last year, after joining the Queen Alexandra's Royal Army Nursing Corps.

Helen is currently in her first year of a three-year nurse-training course at Birmingham University.

Andy said: "Joining the army is something I've been thinking about for a while. It's a great way of life, and I get fully trained up for free. "I'm looking forward to seeing the world. I know the army is doing a dangerous job. I know I might see some sights but that's the job."

He will begin his 12-week basic training at Winchester on February 7 where he will gain his key soldiering skills such as map reading, weapon handling and survival skills.

His parents Shaynie, 43, and David, 45, are fully behind him.

Mrs Montier said: "We know it can be dangerous but so is crossing the road. We're looking forward to seeing him at his passing out parade."

Basic training finishes in May and Andy will turn 18 a week later.

He will then attend the Defence Medical Services Training Centre in Aldershot to train for his chosen job and gain a City & Guild or an NVQ in advanced emergency clinical care.