THE Territorial Army (TA) has called up the County Durham office of the North East Chamber of Commerce.

The TA has joined forces with the chamber to host an event to promote the benefits to business of employees serving in the TA.

It takes place on Tuesday, February 13, at the Aycliffe Armoury at Newton Aycliffe. There will be a presentation and a number of unit displays.

David Malkin, area manager for the chamber's County Durham office, said: "Employers can benefit from having their staff in the TA because they make better, fitter, more disciplined and reliable employees.

"They also have greater opportunity to develop skills like leadership, organisation, management and communication, which in turn develops their self-confidence."

Lieutenant Colonel John Saville said: "Perhaps what employers don't realise is the many additional skills and trades that their people can acquire such as an NVQ in engineering or learning to drive. These are useful skills which they can use back at their work to the benefit of the business."

He added: "There is no cost to the business which is excellent when you consider all the benefits they will receive in return."

Further details of the event can be obtained from Debra Deary, assistant manager, on 0191-374 4060.