A group of Norfolk soldiers have taken their first steps on the promotional ladder after being given the skills needed to become a Lance Corporal.

Dereham Times: A group of Norfolk soldiers were put through their paces on a selection course at Swanton Morley which taught them the skills to become a Lance Corporal. Picture: David NewA group of Norfolk soldiers were put through their paces on a selection course at Swanton Morley which taught them the skills to become a Lance Corporal. Picture: David New (Image: Archant)

1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards who are based at Robertson Barracks, Swanton Morley, near Dereham ran a three week potential non-commissioned officers selection course for nine troopers to give them the skills needed to promote from Private to Lance Corporal.

The selection course saw the soldiers complete a mixture of theoretical lessons and a range of packages including leadership training, navigation skills and living in the field.

Over the next weeks and months, many of the soldiers will receive their first stripe as they are promoted to Lance Corporal.

Colonel David Wakefield, deputy commander of 7 Infantry Brigade, said: 'Lance Corporal is one of the most important ranks in the British Army.

Dereham Times: A group of Norfolk soldiers were put through their paces on a selection course at Swanton Morley which taught them the skills to become a Lance Corporal. Picture: David NewA group of Norfolk soldiers were put through their paces on a selection course at Swanton Morley which taught them the skills to become a Lance Corporal. Picture: David New (Image: Archant)

'Soldiering is a human endeavour and Lance Corporal is where leadership of private soldiers is at its most intimate and human and when the British Army is out in front protecting our nation.'

Dereham Times: A group of Norfolk soldiers were put through their paces on a selection course at Swanton Morley which taught them the skills to become a Lance Corporal. Picture: David NewA group of Norfolk soldiers were put through their paces on a selection course at Swanton Morley which taught them the skills to become a Lance Corporal. Picture: David New (Image: Archant)

Dereham Times: A group of Norfolk soldiers were put through their paces on a selection course at Swanton Morley which taught them the skills to become a Lance Corporal. Picture: David NewA group of Norfolk soldiers were put through their paces on a selection course at Swanton Morley which taught them the skills to become a Lance Corporal. Picture: David New (Image: Archant)