A BARRACK block, giving soldiers access to satellite TV and the Internet in their rooms, has opened on one of North Yorkshire's Army bases.

The 38 rooms - part of a £15m upgrade of Catterick Garrison - will set a new standard for members of the armed forces.

They have been built to cope with the addition of an extra 80 soldiers to 9 Regiment Army Air Corps (AAC) at nearby Dishforth Airfield next year.

Soldiers will live in their own rooms with en suite shower facilities, and have the chance to connect to the Internet and satellite TV.

Lieutenant Colonel David Short, commanding officer of 9 Regiment AAC, said: "It's an absolutely fabulous facility which allows members of the armed forces in the 21st Century to have individual accommodation.

"This is the standard everybody in the armed forces should enjoy, but I realise it will take time to upgrade all the Army estate to this very high standard.