MPs on the Commons defence committee have criticised "serious failings" in the army's treatment of young recruits.

The committee concluded that sweeping reforms are needed over the army's care of young soldiers.

The report also urged a review of the policy of recruiting 16 and 17 year-olds and asked the Ministry of Defence to consider whether the age of joining should be raised to 18.

The inquiry was set up in response to the deaths of four recruits at Deepcut Barracks in Surrey.

The MPs said the bereaved families were treated "absolutely appallingly" and the MoD was "absolutely guilty of maladministration" towards them.