A Birmingham TA soldier proudly marched with his squadron in yesterday's Remembrance Day parade, weeks after scooping the top cadet prize on his officer training course at Sandhurst.

Warren Cain, aged 31, who joined the Sparkbrook-based 48 Signal Squadron 18 months ago, has spent a total of 11 years swapping his suit for Army combat gear.

Last October, the civil servant faced the most gruelling three months of his life, proving that he could lead 30 men and women in testing battle conditions.

Now Mr Cain, who marched in his dress uniform with his squadron, has been promoted to the rank of second lieutenant.

"The physical challenge was very tough," he said. "There was a series of exercises where you led your platoon on military expeditions for two or three days.

"You don't get much sleep when you are out in the field or get too many meals. There was a lot of mental pressure as well.

"If your usual day is sitting in an office environment it's quite a shock to the system."

48 (City of Birmingham) Signal Squadron - part of the 35 (South Midland) Signal Regiment (Volunteers) - has its origins in the Royal Corps of Signals, formed in 1920 out of the First World War Royal Engineers, which initially handled communications.

Although much has been written lately about the challenge the TA is facing in attracting new recruits, 48 Signal Squadron's membership has risen 20 per cent in the last six months.

"I joined the TA because I wanted to experience new challenges and meet a lot of new people, and just do something different from my normal job.

"It was a surprise and a bonus to win top cadet," said Mr Cain, top out of 48 cadets on his course at Sandhurst.