TERRITORIAL soldiers paraded alongside impressive machinery at the launch of a recruiting campaign.

Hundreds of people are needed to join the Territorial Army in the North-East to replace those who have left in recent months.

The busy TA centre in Brambles Farm, Middlesbrough, was a base yesterday for an array of military weapons and armour.

Representatives of all Teesside and south Durham units helped launch the campaign, including staff from the signals, infantry, engineers, logistics, military police and medics.

Among the vehicles on show was the Army's latest delivery truck, a massive Foden recovery vehicle, a battlefield ambulance and a communications vehicle.

Captain Jackie Ferry, a registered nurse and a member of 201 Field Hospital, based in Norton, Stockton, was among local recruits who joined the regular Army in Iraq in 2003.

The Middlesbrough-born nurse told how she was encouraged to join the TA five years ago after more than 20 years in the NHS.

She said: "It is unbelievable what I have been involved with since joining. The challenges have been amazing."

Corporal Kevin Pountain, from Redcar, and Corporal Paul Kenny, from Middlesbrough, both from 34 Signal Regiment based at the TA Centre Brambles Farm, were also in the first deployment to Iraq.

For enrolment and unit details, go to www.ta.mod.uk