Army cadet makes his Mark.

Army cadet Mark Crane is setting off on a trip of a lifetime after being named one of the country's top young soldiers.

Mark, 18, from Coulby Newham is jetting off for India on Friday , after coming fourth in the national annual Army Cadet competition.

The Guisborough Prior Pursglove College student was one of 120 of the country's 44,000 army cadets to reach the standard to be invited on a Master Cadet course.

He was then selected as one of the top 20 of these, which led to him competing in the Claire Shore Trophy - the pinnacle of a cadet's career - at the Army Cadet Force HQ in Surrey.

After ten tough tests - including orienteering, drill and shooting - he won his place on the trip to India.

While there Mark will visit the National Cadet Corp and meet India's Prime Minister, President and defence chiefs.

He said: "To have been put forward for the competition and do so well is the culmination of all my cadet training. It's a fantastic opportunity."

Mark, the top cadet in the Cleveland Army Cadet Force, is also a Lord Lieutenant's Cadet and the first in the CACF to gain a distinction in the Public Services BTec.

He is studying for his A-Levels and wants to take languages at university before training as an Army Officer.

His German teacher, Alison Dodds said: "Mark is a determined young man with a concern for others. He is open to new situations and people and will always rise to a challenge."