THE Army is setting up camp in Barnard Castle as part of a drive to encourage young people to take up forces careers.

A team of soldiers will set up a recruiting office at the Galgate car park and will be available to answer questions about the training, travel and sporting opportunities offered by the Army.

The office will open on Monday and will remain in the town for two weeks. Recruiters will also be touring the town centre.

Lieutenant Colonel John May, Commander of Regional Recruiting for the North-East and Yorkshire, said: "Barnard Castle is traditionally a strong recruiting area, and establishing a base in the town centre will make it even easier for local young people who might be interested in an Army career to access all the information they need about it.

"Anyone who wants to have a varied, active, challenging lifestyle need look no further than the challenges the Army has to offer, and we are sure that our recruiting team will get a good response."

For details, call Darlington Army Careers Information Office on (01325) 464530, or visit www.army.mod.uk