AFTER the mud, muck and cold of a tough qualifying course, it was time for the glory as soldiers of Gwent's 104 Regiment, Royal Artillery took their first steps on the promotion ladder.

Among those successfully completing the gruelling course for qualification to the ranks of bombardier was Lance-Bombardier David Evans, of Pontnewynedd, Pontypool, a warehouseman in civilian life, who now qualifies for two stripes.

After being presented with his course certificate by Colonel Chris Comport, deputy commander for Wales, David said: "It was a tough course which involved getting frozen half to death on the training course at Sennybridge.

"The Newport-based 104 Regiment ran the course which other regiments in the corps brought into. It was a great opportunity to do some team building with guys from other regiments.

"You learn about how other people work but just as importantly, something as demanding as that helps you understand yourself."

Captain Jackie Brinton, command post officer with 211 Battery, 104 Regiment was in charge of the courses which included one for promotion to the rank of lance-bombardier and a basic signalling course.

"These Territorial soldiers have shown that they are capable of going on to occupy senior non-commissioned officer posts," she said.

"In the British Army - be it Territoral or Regular - you have to learn to take responsibility even at a low stage in the promotion ladder. I'm proud of them."

After accepting the general salute - including a salute in the traditional British Army style offered by Captain Brinton - Colonel Comport congratulated both the successful course candidates and their instructors.