TWO of the region's Army bases have been included in a Ministry of Defence report which criticised training for young recruits.

Catterick Garrison and Harrogate Army Foundation College, both North Yorkshire, were among a number of training facilities across the country re-appraised by MoD officials.

This followed recommendations made earlier this year by the Director of Operational Capability to improve the lives of trainees.

The new report said a lack of resources and staff shortages were leading to the training regime at some establishments showing "signs of strain", which, in turn, was affecting the morale and welfare of recruits.

It also highlighted a problem with soldiers drinking and engaging in rowdy behaviour at night.

Recruits at both Catterick and Harrogate were interviewed by inspectors and completed questionnaires.

Catterick, which is the largest British Army base in Europe, has hundreds of young recruits passing through its infantry training centre every year.

A spokeswoman for the MoD admitted the report was critical and said problems with short staffing were being addressed.

"We realise we have to got to improve standards and provide more instructors," she said.

On drinking and anti-social behaviour, the spokeswoman said that more instructors would now be living directly alongside young recruits in the same accommodation in a bid to better monitor their behaviour particularly after hours.

She said: "At night-time, soldiers do have a degree of freedom and are allowed to drink but we take a very dim view of anyone that drinks to excess."