SCHOOL pupils had a more active weekend than usual when the Army dropped in to give them a taste of life as a soldier.

Thirty girls from Queen Mary's School at Baldersby Park, near Thirsk, took part in the Army weekend, run by 38 Engineer Regiment, Ripon.

Over the course of the two days, the 14 to 16-year-olds had to tackle a variety of tasks including bridge building, which was a battle against the clock and with a bare minimum of equipment, cooking Army rations, drill sessions, evasion and mock casualty rescue exercises, a PT session and camping out overnight.

The girls were given a further insight into life in the Army through a presentation by Captain Lisa Phillips.

Headteacher Robert McKenzie Johnston said he decided to approach the Army because he wanted more opportunities for the girls to learn about team work, and not always in comfortable conditions.

He said: "The team's enthusiasm was infectious, and the girls put 100 per cent into every minute, never once complaining or arguing.

"They learnt how to work as a team, to act together, and to lead. Several have said that they are now interested in the Army as a career, but I do not know how keen their mothers are."