A TASTE of weekend Army life was offered to potential volunteers on Saturday, when TA centres throughout the North-East held open days.

The Army Cadet Force was also on parade for 13 to 16-year-olds who wanted to join.

New rates of pay and bounty have just been announced as a welcome boost for the 3,000 Territorials based in units like those in Stockton.

Soldiers are paid for the training they do and the new rates mean a recruit in his or her first year, completing the basic minimum of 31 days, can earn £1,200.

A tax-free bonus, or bounty, is paid on April 1 each year to those who have qualified and completed the minimum training. This starts at £330 after one year and rises to £1,290 after five or more years' service.

Friday was National TA day and many doctors, nurses and midwives at North Tees, South Tees and Hartlepool General wore their combat uniforms to work to highlight the work of the organisation