A private from Edgware will be alongside his comrades at a passing out parade tomorrow, having overcome three months in rehabilitation after a serious injury.

Daniel Rusakoff, 18, of Priory Field Drive, thought he had jeopardised his lifetime ambition of a career in the Army, when he suffered stress fractures to his shinbone at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick last year. But after fighting to regain his fitness, he was able to rejoin 7 Platoon, Queen Division Company, to complete the six-month course.

A statement from the Catterick training school said: "Injury caused Daniel to spend three months in rehab but, to his credit, he came out at the peak of physical fitness and motivation."

Mr Rusakoff joined the army at 16, straight from school, as it was something he'd always wanted to do.

He attended the Army Foundation College in Harrogate for a year before being transferred to the training centre in Catterick.

Mr Rusakoff said: "It's been really hard work at Catterick. The support from my friends, family and platoon staff has helped me get through the tougher moments. Overall it's been enjoyable and I'll remember my time here for the rest of my life."

After a period of leave, Mr Rusakoff will join his new unit, the 1st Battalion Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment, based in Germany.

For information on army careers, go to army.mod.uk