EVEN army life has been disrupted by the foot-and-mouth crisis.

Training grounds have been closed to prevent the disease spreading.

However, soldiers from the Green Howards regiment will not be lying idle, with many joining a recruitment team touring the region over the next few weeks.

Among them are Sergeant Mark Brown, from Bedale, North Yorkshire, and a former pupil from Middlesbrough's Nunthorpe School, now responsible for 30 men and four armoured personnel carriers.

At 30, he has seen service in countries including Bosnia, Canada, Kenya, and Bavaria.

Private David Percival, 21, from Aysgarth, Wensleydale, who drives an armoured personnel carrier, Private Robin Scott - an ex-pupil of Richmond School - and Lance Corporal Adrian Hernblade, of Darlington, are also in the team.

Visits today are in Middlesbrough, Loftus, Lingdale, Skelton and Thornaby and tomorrow in Redcar, Nunthorpe, Marton, Skelton and Loftus.

North Yorkshire destinations include Northallerton on Thursday, March 22, and Thirsk the following day.