HUNDREDS of Darlington children can find out about life in the Army at the weekend while they compete to win an adventure holiday.

The Army is holding a careers day at the town's Dolphin Centre on Saturday, starting at 9am.

As well as talking to officers about their jobs, the children will be invited to take part in a free competition to win a holiday in Cyprus.

The competition includes a number of challenges to test team spirit, physical fitness and mental agility.

Recruitment officer Lieutenant Colonel John May said: "We are expecting a lot of people to come along and take part in the competition, but would encourage everyone to come down and have a go at winning what is a fantastic prize.

"The Army offers young people a huge range of possible career paths, with what is probably the very best package of training, travel, sporting and skills development opportunities available from any UK employer."

The careers event is the culmination of the Army's Operation Northern Spirit, a two-week recruitment drive across the region.

Anyone wishing to take part in the competition needs to register by filling in an application form. They are available at any Army Careers information office, or by logging on to the Army website at www.armycompetition.com