ANDOVER soldier Susan Cooper has been training in the sun on the beautiful island of Cyprus.

Lance Corporal Cooper, who is 21, is a member of the Royal Signal Regiment 3 (UK) DSR based in Bulford whose job is to provide and maintain communications equipment.

The trip to Cyprus included military and adventurous training which was part of a military cadre course.

"It's a good chance to put into practice what we know, and expand on what she don't," said Susan, who joined the Army on leaving Castledown School in 1997.

"I always wanted to join the forces. The Army lives up to what I expected it to and I love it."

So far Susan, a keen sportswoman, has served in Cyprus, France and the Falkland Islands.

Her grandmother Shirley Austin still lives in Andover.