TEENAGERS descended on Army barracks yesterday to learn more about life in the services.

Catterick Garrison's annual Army Open Day is held at Marne Barracks, by the A1 in North Yorkshire, on Saturday, and includes displays of skill and military discipline.

But many of the same displays are used first by the Army Exhibition For Schools, which opened yesterday and continues today and tomorrow.

As well as rolling out big guns, tanks, helicopters and armoured personnel carriers, soldiers will be challenging youngsters to test their mettle on the "death slide" or do battle in a laser dome.

The Royal Signals White Helmets Motorcycle Display Team and 4 Parachute Regiment's Free Fall team will also be dropping in on the main arena.

The event also offers an opportunity for would-be soldiers to chat with servicemen and women who have first-hand experience of military life and are willing to answer questions from visitors interested in an Army career.