THE alter-egos of men and women across the region have been revealed.
Territorial Army (TA) soldiers carried out their day jobs in their military uniforms yesterday, ahead of Armed Forces Day on Saturday.
The annual event is designed to highlight the contribution of the part-time forces.
Among those casting aside their shirt and tie was Captain Darren Thompson, who serves with B Company, 4th Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment.
The 36-year-old, from Darlington, is also a design technology teacher at All Saints School, in Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton.
He said: “Most of the pupils are aware I do something like this, but don’t know exactly what – if others didn’t know, they do now.
“It’s good to make people aware, colleagues as well as students, that people are supporting the Armed Services.”
During ten years with the TA, the soldier has taken part in a number of tours, including seven months in Afghanistan.
Private Aaron Porter, 25, from Pickering, also serves with B Company, 4 Yorks.
When not soldiering, he is assistant caretaker at Castle Howard, near Pickering.
He said: “It’s been an eyeopener for the staff at Castle Howard to see me in uniform.
“A lot of them weren’t aware that I served with the TA, but they have all been really supportive and hopefully now know what I do in my spare time.”
Sergeant Darren Suggitt, 37, also from B Company, 4 Yorks, works for Ryedale District Council as a refuse collector.
The Scarborough soldier said: “I’ve had a number of funny looks from residents today as I’ve collected their bins and a number of questions about why I’m wearing the uniform, which I’m glad about, because I’ve been able to explain about the TA’s role and how far we have come.”
Armed Forces Day takes place on Saturday when the public are encouraged to show their support to serving personnel and their families, reservists and veterans.
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