The Regiment's commanding officer Lt. Colonel Eddie Lamb expressed his delight at Boot Camp's passing without major incident.

In previous years - including 2003 when one recruit brought cannabis back into camp with him mid-way through his two-week stint - recruits have fallen foul of the Regiment Police for a variety of offences.

But this year, as Lt. Col. Lamb was keen to point out in his post-drill speech on Saturday, has been different.

“I am pleased to say there have been virtually no disciplinary problems during this particular camp,” he told the assembled throng, who had just witnessed the Regiment's finest perform their drills and handed out their, often alcohol-related, prizes for a variety of tasks during the two-week camp.

“I believe these young men have handled themselves very well indeed and the country should be proud of them.”

But the Regiment's top military men was also keen to re-iterate his disappointment in those who had failed to show, and with only 116 completing their duties that is a considerable number.

“There are those out there who are not prepared to serve their country,” he added.

“They have evaded their responsibilities and it is not good enough. You see them sitting on walls and in gardens and engaging in foolishness - they are letting their country down.”