After 44 weeks of intensive training, a Saffron Walden man has graduated from a world-famous military academy.

Maxwell Edward Boardley joined more than 200 officer cadets in a prestigious ceremony at Sandhurst. It marks the completion of weeks of intensive military and academic training, combined with adventurous training and sporting challenges.

The 25-year-old, pictured, who will be joining the Royal Logistic Corps, 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.”

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 the Lord Guthrie.

The parade is a key milestone for every Army officer and has been run at the end of each term for over 200 years.

After a formal lunch with friends, family and regimental officers, the day concluded in celebratory style at the exclusive Commissioning Ball.

And at the stroke of midnight, the newly commissioned Second Lieutenants proudly displayed their rank insignia for the first time.

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.

“We are always looking for talented, young people to take up the challenge of a career in the Army, and over the past 44 weeks the officer cadets have demonstrated real dedication, determination and professionalism.”

For more information about opportunities available in the Army, visit army.mod.uk/join.