FORMER Wellington couple Kevin and Bridget Manley watched with pride as their son Ben passed out from Sandhurst in front of Prince Charles.

The Sovereign’s Parade at the Army’s Military Academy in Surrey formally marks the senior cadets completion of their year-long commissioning course.

Keen sportsman Ben, 23, who studied History and Politics at Exeter University before starting at Sandhurst, is commissioning into the Royal Artillery as a Second Lieutenant.

Bridget, a former WWN reporter, and Kevin now live in Wimborne, Dorset, where they have their own business.

Their parents and many long-standing friends live in the Wellington and Taunton areas.