Jason wins accolade for being a ‘natural leader’

LANCE CORPORAL Jason Brigham been described as a “natural leader” – so naturally, he’s from Yorkshire.

The former pupil of York High School won the Best Soldier Award at the Great Yorkshire Show yesterday.

His father, Martin Brigham, and his girlfriend, Natalie Thomas, picked up his award in the Main Ring shortly before 5.30pm because LCpl Brigham was away on overseas operations.

It is the seventh year that the award has been presented by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society to the Best Soldier in the First Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment.

LCpl Brigham joined the regiment in 2013, and has gained overseas experience on exercises in Canada, the Falkland Islands and Poland.

While in Canada, he demonstrated the determination to complete a Junior Non-Commissioned Officer Cadre.

His citation from the Army states that he excelled on this arduous course and was in his element.

LCpl Brigham’s “confidence and intelligence” enabled him to be awarded the top student on the course, which included 80 soldiers from all six regular Battalions of the King’s Division and as a result was promoted from Private to Lance Corporal.

It allowed him to return to Javelin Platoon as an established and well-respected junior leader, according to seniors.

LCpl Brigham has also excelled whilst representing the Battalion’s Cycling and Cross-Country teams.

Earlier in the day, members of the 4th Battalion welcomed Princess Anne to the Military Village area of the Great Yorkshire Show during her tour of the event.

Yorkshire Regiment soldiers are a standard presence at the event, with members helping with many aspects across the three days, including holding up the name signs of animals featured in classes.