A MILITARY reservist who helped keep last year’s Olympics safe has backed a campaign to encourage more people to become Royal Navy reserves.

Andy Winkworth, 26, from Darlington, was among a squad of reservists from HMS Calliope deployed to London last summer to help out at the games.

He was stationed at Greenwich Park, where the equestrian events were held.

Mr Winkworth, whose Navy rank is Able Seaman, said his time at the Olympics was among the highlights of his three-and-a-half years as a reservist.

He combines his day job at Durham County Council with his military commitments, which have included trips to Cyprus, Belgium and Germany.

A series of Royal Navy Reserves recruitment days are being held at HMS Calliope, on Gateshead Quayside, with the aim of signing up more than 120 new recruits in the region over the next three years.

The first will be held on the weekend of September 14 and 15, as part of the City Games and Great North Run events on site.

Potential recruits will be able to meet serving reservists and taking part in physical and mental challenges and practical leadership tasks.

Mr Winkworth said: “I really enjoy being part of the reserves, there is always something new and exciting to get involved in.

“It has also given me some really useful skills, I am a qualified first aider and have also completed a course that gave me civilian qualifications for driving powerboats.

“The Olympics was great, we got a fantastic reception and got to play a role in such an iconic event.”

For more details call 08456-003-222, or visit royalnavy.mod.uk/navyreserves