MORE than 100 people swapped their suits for combat clothing at the weekend, spending two days with the Army.

Employees from about 60 companies, councils and health trusts all over the North-East and North Yorkshire were at Catterick Garrison for a taste of Army life, courtesy of the Territorial Army.

During the event, called Exercise Executive Stretch, they drove military vehicles, slept in the open and solved problems in a military way.

They were also given the chance to demonstrate their skills on water and tried vehicle mechanics.

The weekend was brought to a close with a grand finale yesterday morning, when the participants completed a timed march and a stretcher race. They were then cheered round an assault course by their employers.

An Army spokeswoman said: "It was the finish of a very gruelling 48 hours, but they have all thoroughly enjoyed the experience."

The award for the best male competitor went to Tony Kavanagh from York, who is the events manager for the Yorkshire Event Centre, in Harrogate.

The annual event is arranged by SaBRE (Supporting Britain's Reservists and Employers) and is run by soldiers from the 4th Battalion The Parachute Regiment.

It is designed to develop leadership and team building skills, and at the same time showing employers what their TA members get up to during weekend training with their units.