A Ringsfield teenager has forgone the usual gap year traditions in search of adventure with the British Army.

Amy Loader, 19, is spending the year serving as a Second Lieutenant with the 1st Armoured Medical Regiment on a Gap Year Commission with the British Army in Germany.

The former Sir Leman High School pupil will be attending Loughborough University next year to study sports science and physical therapy but until then will be helping provide critical health care to people around the world.

Ms Loader said: “I was attracted to the Army for the adventure and life experiences it offers and it has provided me with an opportunity to manage and lead people; something that I am keen in doing in the future.

“More importantly it has provided me with an insight into the realties of being in the army in that you have to be prepared to react and adapt.”

Ms Loader’s first task upon arrival was to prepare 25 soldiers for deployment in Kenya as part of Exercise Askari Serpent.

She said: “In Kenya we will be supporting the Kenyan government by visiting different villages to deliver outreach health clinics and real life medical support to the local population.

“Preparing has certainly tested my organisation skills insofar as making sure everyone is ready for the job ahead of us.

“The Regiment deal with traumatic injuries so we have to make sure everyone has completed the appropriate clinical training to enable them to treat the patients we are likely to see.

“It has been challenging but the support I have had from everyone has been immense. It has definitely given me the responsibility I wanted, an opportunity to develop my leadership skills and I cannot wait to put our training into practice.”

In addition to providing health care Ms Loader will have opportunity to experience living and navigating around the Kenyan countryside.

Ms Loader added: “I cannot wait to experience Kenya and travel around the country and to have the chance to try activities like mountain biking, diving, hiking or white raft while out there is just brilliant.

“I think all my friends will be envious.”