SCHOOLS from across the region were shown all aspects of Army life at an exhibition aimed at teachers and pupils.

Marne Barracks, at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, hosted the three-day event, called the Army Exhibition for Schools (AES), the biggest of its kind in the North of England.

About 15,000 children from the North-East and North Yorkshire attended the event.

The aim was to emphasise the fun and interactive nature of Army life and to get youngsters, aged 14 and 15, thinking about the Army as a first choice career.

Lieutanant Colonel John May OBE, commander for recruiting in the North, said: "We aim to give youngsters a great day out at Catterick and hope that, at the same time, they will get a real taste for the Army and what we are about these days. We are the biggest recruiter in the country and we offer an unequalled range of careers.

"In the Army you can pursue anything from music and medicine to construction and plumbing. There's something for everyone in the Army and that's what we wanted to get across at AES."

Children at the event were treated to motorcycle displays and had the chance to try their hand at Army assault courses, laser gun shooting and zip lines.

There was also a music workshop with a military band, where young people took along their own instruments and played with the band.

But there were also representatives from the Army's colleges at the event to show the youngsters that you can still continue your education in the Army.

One of these is Welbeck College, dubbed "the Army's best kept secret". This is a sixth-form college which is open to those who would like to get a head start with their Army careers.

Students at the college sit their A-levels at the college while still being given an introduction to Army life.

One student, Catrina Thomson, 17, from Catterick, was on hand to offer advice and information to children attending the exhibition.

She said: "I found out about the college very late on, and only just managed to apply in time. It really is a wonderful place, and offers so many opportunities for children from all sorts of backgrounds to get a good education and begin their Army careers."

Soldiers from regiments across the region were also available to offer their advice and knowledge to the youngsters.

Bombadier Mark Greatrex, from South Shields, said: "These days are important for youngsters to find out about the Army, so they can consider it for a future career."

Pupils seemed to enjoy their day out.

Jodi Forster, 14, from West Denton High, in Newcastle, said: "It's very interesting to hear about all the careers there are available in the Army.