Sheila this is what chatGPT makes of the photo.

This photograph depicts a soldier wearing a Victorian-era British volunteer or militia uniform, likely from the mid-to-late 19th century (circa 1860s–1880s). Here are some identifying features:
• Uniform style: The tunic with standing collar, shoulder straps, and a row of buttons down the front is typical of British military and volunteer uniforms of that era.
• White cross belt: The cross belt and cartridge box (not visible but implied) are standard for infantrymen and volunteers.
• Cap: The forage cap (or pillbox cap) was common among volunteers and militia units in the 1860s–1880s period, replacing earlier shakos and predating later service caps.
• Rifle: The firearm appears to be a muzzle-loading rifle, possibly an Enfield pattern rifle-musket, which was widely used by British forces and volunteer units before breech-loading weapons became standard.
• Photographer’s mark: The image is by J. H. Haggit, South Shields, placing the soldier in northeast England — a clue that this man may have belonged to a local Volunteer Rifle Corps, such as the Durham or Northumberland Rifle Volunteers.

So, this is most likely a British Volunteer Rifle Corps uniform from the 1860s–1870s, worn by a member of a regional militia or volunteer regiment, rather than a regular army soldier.