ARMY officers are have been swapping the battlefield for the classroom after qualifying to mentor their soldiers in numeracy and literacy skills.

Officers and non-commissioned officers from The Green Howards passed the teaching course while on operational duty in the Balkans earlier this month.

The battalion's regimental and careers management officer, Captain Robinson, from Redcar, east Cleveland, was the driving force in the organisation of the course.

When time would not allow for the training to be delivered in the UK prior to unit's deployment, he consulted with the Army education officer in Bosnia to find a solution.

Mentor training, known as Link Up, allows units to identify key individuals to champion and support educational opportunities for their soldiers.

The training can lead to a civilian-recognised qualification such as the City and Guilds Adult Learner Support.

Capt Robinson, a former pupil of Sacred Heart School, in Redcar, said: "As technology grows, the ability to read, write and calculate numbers have become increasingly more important skills for soldiers. This situation provides a tremendous leadership opportunity for the chain of command, and a chance to really invest in our people."

Sue Thain, from the Department of Education and Training, delivered the training. She said: "It was an intense and challenging five days but all the participants felt that the time spent was worthwhile."