A TEESSIDE MP is set to become an Army reservist.

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Tom Blenkinsop hopes to join the Royal Military Police Reserves.

Mr Blenkinsop said he was undergoing the final assessment stage at Glencorse barracks in Scotland before signing up for phase one of his basic training, which he will take alongside his parliamentary duties.

The MP said he had been put through his paces by coaches from Redcar Amateur Boxing Club in preparation for Army fitness tests.

He said: “I’m sure that this hard work will pay off.

“My family has a strong tradition of military service, my father was a Royal Navy veteran, my grandfather was a British Army veteran and my brother has just joined the Royal Navy Reserve.

“Military service is a family tradition that I am proud to continue.”

Army reserve soldiers work as part-time soldiers for the British Army alongside regular full-time soldiers.

Should Mr Blenkinsop be successful he will start training with the 243 Provost Company, Northern Detachment, 1 Regiment Royal Military Police.