ATTENTION all ex-soldiers - a former comrade needs help in his academic research about how ex-soldiers survive in civilian life.

Arnie Reed, who hails from Stanley, spent more than 25 years in the army, but is now working on an academic study.

He wants 300 ex-soldiers of all ranks to tell of how they found the experience of civilian life after spending time in uniform, as part of a research project being carried out at the University of Surrey.

The university researcher hopes the study will provide useful insights for soldiers leaving the army in the future.

Participation will involve completion of a questionnaire and is entirely confidential.

All participants will receive conclusions of the study if desired.

For more details ring Mr Reed on (02920) 210633, email him at psm2ar