Only eight weeks after joining up, 16-year-old Ben Skinner, from Wantage, made military motorcycling history as the youngest, and shortest-serving soldier, to win the coveted best novice award at the Army Championships at Aldershot.

Having joined the Army at ATFC Winchester, Skinner completed 30 cross-country, technical trials sections to test his skill on the first day, while the second focused on speed and endurance.

Skinner, who has been riding since the age of four, was also required to complete three special tests against the clock, which he passed with flying colours.

Throughout this year, Skinner, who attended King Alfred’s Sports College competed in the Junior British Youth Enduro series on a machine provided by Premier Bikes Didcot, but missed the last two rounds due to his Army call-up.

He is now looking forward to a career in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers as an avionics technician.

Meanwhile, Ben’s younger brother, Rom-an, eight, finished second in the 50cc class in the Enduro Championships.

The pupil at St James C of E School, Hanney now goes on to race in the winter series and to start to compete at motorcross.