AN investigation has been launched by Army chiefs after a camera was discovered filming female recruits in the shower.

Military police at the Army Foundation College, in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, have launched a probe into the discovery but have so far been unable to find the culprit.

It is understood teenage recruits found the camera, which was reportedly no bigger than a 5p. They then handed it to their commanding officer.

A search was carried out and a TV was found connected to the camera via a transmitter in another room.

Officers were last night trying to trace the owner to find out if any film had been recorded on video.

Derek Shakesby, the college's co-ordinator, confirmed a camera had been discovered in the college grounds.

He said: "All I can say is that a camera was found and there is a full investigation ongoing.

"We have been trying to trace the owner but that person has not been found yet."

A recruit from Cambria Company 9th platoon, who did not want to be named, said: "This is the last thing that you expect to happen to you on an Army training camp."

A spokeswoman for the Ministry of Defence said: "It is the subject of an immediate investigation."

The foundation college is open to 16-year-old girls and boys who are considering a career in the Army but are too young to join the forces.

They are given military and vocational training to be successful in the Army's front-line fighting forces.

It includes five weeks of leadership and initiative training, and involves recruits in hill walking, hiking, caving, rock climbing, abseiling, and all kind of leadership and command tasks.

There are also 14 weeks of vocational education that gives the trainees an NVQ or SVQ in information technology and other key skills.

At the end of the one-year foundation programme, they are guaranteed a job with the Army for four years with the Royal Armoured Corps, Royal Artillery, or Infantry Regiment.