EAST Dorset soldier Chris Finney is leaving the Army - to join Dorset Police.

The 20-year-old Trooper hit the headlines last year after he became the youngest British soldier to be awarded a George Cross for his heroic actions in rescuing a colleague while under friendly fire during the Iraq war.

Trooper Finney had been in the elite Blues and Royals regiment in Windsor for less than a year when his Scimitar tank and another vehicle came under fire, bursting into flames.

He got out and went to find cover, only to notice the vehicle's gunner trapped in the turret.

He returned to the burning vehicle and hauled out his injured colleague, took him to safety and bandaged his wounds before returning to report their position on the vehicle's radio.

Next, the soldier took the injured man towards a rescue vehicle but came under heavy fire resulting in wounds to his buttocks and legs.

He then returned to the burning tank in an attempt to rescue the driver but collapsed and was picked up by the Royal Engineers.

According to a national newspaper, Trooper Finney, who grew up in Ferndown, says he needs more action and hopes to join Dorset Police next June.

Trooper Finney said: "I've loved my time in the Army, but I need to open myself up to a bit more of a challenge. My ultimate aim is to become an armed response officer."

First published: August 13, 2005