Soldier prepares to retire after 40 years of service

One of the longest-serving soldiers in the British Army is to bring his illustrious military career to an end.

Major Hugh Benson, of the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment, has served Queen and country in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan but will hang up his uniform next month.

He claimed his wife of 33 years is glad he will be spending more time at home instead of fighting wars overseas.

Speaking to the BBC, major Benson played down his achievements.

"A lot of it happened by default. I just worried about the rank that I was and the rest followed suit," he said.

Highlights of his career include serving in over 12 countries and helping to bring peace to places like Kosovo and Northern Ireland.

Meanwhile, the Prince of Wales has thanked around 500 members of the Black Watch regiment at a service at Fort George.

Charles presented each of them with a medal and praised them for all their outstanding work.

Posted by Jenny Richards