WOULD-BE soldiers from the North-East were put through their paces during an Army taster week.

Nearly 30 aspiring troops got a taste of British Army life during the course at Catterick Garrison.

The volunteers, from Tyne and Wear, County Durham and Teesside, threw themselves around an obstacle course before being put through a series of tasks with units led by 101 Royal Artillery.

The majority on the course were 18-years-old while the oldest in the group was Kevin Thomas, 35, who used the experience to prepare for the Army Reserve selection process.

Mr Thomas, from Middlesbrough, wants to fulfil a lifelong dream of being a soldier by joining B Company of 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment.

He said: “I’ve wanted to do it since I was a kid, I used to get dressed up and play at being a soldier.

“I was in the cadets and was ready to join up but I went down the wrong path. Since then I’ve been a painter and a plasterer, I’ve done labouring and driven a forklift truck.

“But you are never too old to make a fresh start. I’m looking forward to joining the Army, learning new skills and travelling the world.”

The group of 29 were set a series of “command tasks” – puzzles to test their leadership and problem solving skills.

They then went round an obstacle course at Marne Barracks which included a rope swing, high ropes and a cargo net.

Rob McGuinness, 23, from Darlington, ended up on the course after going to the Jobcentre and asking about the Army.

“I’ve loved every minute of it,” he said.

“I’m going to go away, work on my fitness and then put myself forward for selection,” he said.