Bear Grylls made Honorary Colonel of Army college

Col Grylls will serve as a figurehead for the college which delivers basic training to young soldiers

Survival expert Bear Grylls has appointed Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate by King Charles.

The college said the TV presenter and writer would serve as a figurehead for the college, delivers basic training to soldiers joining the Army under the age of 18.

Its commanding officer, Lt Col Mike Butler, said everyone at the unit was "thrilled" by the appointment of Col Bear, as he would be known informally.

Col Grylls said he was "so proud" of the appointment and said the college "builds character, competence, and resilience of young people, to help them succeed in life and within the military".

'Inspirational character'

Grylls said: "No matter where you come from, if you’re willing to do your best and live by the Army’s values and standards then the college offers adventure, challenge, qualifications, friends for life, and confidence that will last a lifetime."

The adventurer was made the first Chief Ambassador to the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 2018, and was appointed an OBE in 2019 for services to young people, the media and charity.

A spokesperson for Army Foundation College said Honorary Colonels did not need to have a background in the military.

They said the role was to "foster esprit de corps and support their unit’s leadership teams without involvement in the daily running of the unit".

More than 400 young soldiers graduated from the college in August 2023

Officials said Gryll's first official duty at the college would be as senior inspecting officer at a graduation ceremony in August, which would see 600 Junior Soldiers march off the parade square to start their next phase of training.

Lt Col Butler said: "An inspirational character for Junior Soldiers, Colonel Bear shares our passion for helping young people grow and develop, especially in confidence and resilience.

"His message of ‘courage, kindness, and never give up’ is a perfect match for the British Army values and standards we strive to live by."

Follow BBC Yorkshire on Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter) and Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail]