A Keighley teenager who completed her training to join the army in the summer delivered a motivational talk to other young people following in her footsteps.

Samara Kelly, 19, is now a gunner in the King’s Troop (Royal Horse Artillery) based in London.

She addressed a group of people, who are themselves preparing to join the army as part of a scheme called the aspire2work programme.

Samara had previously struggled to reach her goal, but received a boost when she joined aspire2work as an army preparation trainee. She was encouraged to take the route by her mother, Julie, who is partnership manager of the same programme.

Samara said: “When I went to aspire2work, an assessment indicated dyscalculia – often called ‘number blindness’.

“My tutors were really supportive and I agreed a personalised programme. During the course, I improved my fitness and my maths, so when it came to army selection, they picked me first time.”

Julie said: “What I would emphasise to parents is there is a second chance.

“Sometimes it takes a few months of a course before your child works out it’s not the right option for them.

“I could see what Samara wanted and it just happened I knew where she could find the support to realise her dream.”

The aspire2work courses are based on a mixture of work experience, maths and English support and vocational learning. Contact Steph Firth on 01274 829360 or e-mail Stephanie.firth@aspire-i.com for further information.