NORTH-East students will be given a taste of British Army life as soldiers visit colleges across the region.

Four colleges will host the Army throughout the week with the Royal Military Police bringing mock crime scenes for students to explore, as well as a virtual-reality parachute jump.

The visits to Hartlepool, Middlesbrough, Bishop Auckland and Redcar colleges begin today in Hartlepool with Redcar College hosting the final session on Friday, May 5.

The Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Army Medical Corps, Royal Army Veterinary Corps, Royal Armoured Corps and Royal Artillery will all be present during the taster experiences.

Adventurous young adults will also be challenged to test their skills on an Army climbing wall.