A transgender member of the Scots Guard has become the first female British Army soldier to serve on the front line.

Chloe Allen said she hopes to inspire others to be themselves, after speaking out about beginning the process of gender reassignment.

In an interview in Saturday's Sun, the 24-year-old said it was a relief to talk openly about it and revealed her family have been accepting of her decision.

Ms Allen, who joined the army four years ago as Ben, has now officially changed her name and started hormone therapy.

She said: "I'd love to inspire people to just come out and be themselves.

"As much as it's a big bad world, it's not as bad as people think and it's easier when you've got your mates and your bosses behind you."

The soldier from Cumbria told the newspaper she began dressing in her mother's clothes when she was eight. She said she felt frustrated and unhappy and had to "learn to control it and crack on".

She is based with the 1st Battalion Scots Guards in Aldershot, Hampshire.

In July, then prime minister David Cameron accepted a recommendation by the head of the army, General Sir Nick Carter, that women should be able to serve in front line combat roles.

General Sir James Everard,commander of the field army, praised Ms Allen for her courage.

He said: "I'm delighted to have our first woman serving in a ground close combat unit. The British army is really proving itself as an inclusive organisation where everyone is welcome and can thrive.

"Recent awards from Stonewall and the opening up of all elements of military service to women are clear evidence of this. Being the first of anything takes courage.

"I applaud guardsman Chloe Allen for being a trendsetter and wish her every success."