71948-14WHILE other youngsters are deciding what A levels to take after getting their GCSE results, four school leavers from Swindon have already made up their minds about their future careers.

Darren Richards, Peter Saunders, Simon Cook and Timon Simpkins took the Oath of Allegiance yesterday, the first step to joining the Army. The 16-year-olds are all off to train at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

Simon Cook, from Tockenham, has wanted to join the army for years. He said: "I didn't want to carry on with school. I've already achieved the rank of Lance Corporal with the Army Cadet Force and I'm looking forward to the challenge."

Timon Simpkins, from Lower Stratton, said: "I didn't want to go back to school and the army offers me a great opportunity to get out of Swindon."

Peter Saunders, from Middleleaze, is continuing a family tradition. He said: "I prefer an active way of learning. My family joined the army and I'm carrying on that tradition."