Heckmondwike teenager Jonathan Kirby has turned his back on anti-social behaviour and signed up for a career in the Army.

The 17-year-old attended an Army Community Challenge in York last May through the Kirklees Anti-Social Behaviour Unit after he was referred at the end of 2008 because of his anti-social behaviour and the effect it was having on the community where he lived.

He was also offered a place on the Army Community Challenge with other young people to encourage team sprit and to give participants a taste of army life. Later, he attended a taster day at the Military Preparation Course (MPC) North in Huddersfield and now he begins life as an Infantry Soldier on May 1.

David Adams, of KASBU, said: “Rather than being looked upon for his anti-social behaviour this young man should be applauded for turning his life around.’’