THE nephew of Afghanistan war hero Jordan Bancroft has followed in the footsteps of his 'idol'.

Jack Lancaster had his passing out parade on Thursday at Harrogate after completing his phase one army training.

The 17-year-old was watched by family, including Jordan’s mum and dad Tony and Sheila and his mum Toni Watson, who was Jordan’s sister, at the parade.

He now has one more training course to go at Catterick before joining up with the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment.

Jack, who lives in Earby, said: “It was a very emotional day and a very proud day because of what has happened, memories of Jordan came flooding back to us all.

"I can’t get wait to get there now and then join up with the regiment.

“I want to get out and serve abroad and do the things Jordan did.

“I remember watching Jordan pass out and ever since then I have wanted to be in the army and to follow in his footsteps, it is all I have ever wanted.

"I loved hearing about Jordan’s adventures and his life in the army, but now he has gone and I want to go and do all the thing that he did and he wanted to do.

“I really looked up to him, he was Uncle Jordan, he was my idol and my hero and I want to make him proud.”

Lance Corporal Bancroft, of Earby, was shot dead at the age of 25 while on duty in Sayedebad, central Helmand, on August 21 last year.

Jack, a former Salterforth Primary School and West Craven High School pupil is now fulfilling a life long ambition and hopes to fulfil all his and his uncle’s ambitions.

The Clarets fan said: “I’ve wanted to go in the army for as long as I can remember, even more so now for Jordan’s memory.

“Initially, I am still going to have my weekends free so I will be heading home to spend time with my family and my girlfriend Anna.

“I’m really looking forward to what the future has to offer, I am going to be the very best I can.”

Jordan’s proud father, Tony Bancroft said he was ‘extremely proud’ of the courage his nephew had shown in following in his son’s footsteps.