NEW soldiers with the Welsh Gunners celebrated their first St. David's Day in the regiment with an action-packed day, one of the activities being leek-eating!
It is tradition in 39 Regiment Royal Artillery that, following a celebratory parade and hearty breakfast, the youngest recruit from each battery eats a raw leek followed by a pint of beer.
Amongst the leek-eaters at Albemarle Barracks, near Newcastle, was Gunner Alex Daines (17), a former pupil of Greenhill School, Tenby.
"It's really great that, even being miles away from Wales, we still celebrate St. David's day," said Alex.
"I left school and became a brick-layer. I enjoyed it, but I wanted to get away from home and see the world. I knew I would never have the opportunity with my current job, so I left and have never looked back!"
Major Andrew Taylor, of the Welsh Gunners, believes it is important the regiment maintains Welsh traditions:
"St David's is always a day to celebrate for us in the Welsh Gunners. It is imperative to uphold Welsh traditions and for the regiment to retain its links with Wales."
If you are interested in joining 39 Regiment Royal Artillery, visit your local recruitment office or visit http://www.ra.mod.uk">www.ra.mod.uk.