AN ARMY training area at Catterick Garrison has been completed following an investment of more than £1.2 million.

The Defence Infrastructure Organisation at the Ministry of Defence invested a significant amount of money in order to make Whinny Hill, Catterick's training area, more 'realistic' and 'challenging.'

The money paid for the construction of 13 city-like buildings, made from re-configurable containers, which have been designed to recreate the cluttered and congested environment of a city.

The facility includes a mixture of one and two-storey buildings, with access points and forced entry points.

Major General Tim Hyams at Catterick said: “We’re delighted to take into use the new urban training facility here in Catterick."

The refurbishment was completed across two phases earlier this month.

Major general Hyams added: "This state-of-the-art facility will enable the delivery of realistic and challenging training to our soldiers.

“Whinny Hill is the principal sub-unit urban training facility in the North of the UK and the enhancements made here will develop further our ability to prepare for operations in complex urban terrain.”

Lieutenant colonel Mark Holden, commander defence training estate for the North, said: “The Defence Infrastructure Organisation supports our armed forces by providing what they need to live, work and train.

"We have worked closely with experts and our partners to ensure that we deliver exactly what the military needs to provide enhanced training for their sailors, soldiers and airmen – the new urban complex has been designed to meet the needs of military personnel now, and in the future, and we’re pleased that it’s now ready for use.”