AN OPEN day was staged at a York barracks as part of a drive to step up the recruitment of soldiers and dispel some myths about army careers.

The event on Saturday at Yeomanry Barracks in Fulford Road came after new research revealed a lack of awareness about army life and the roles on offer could be deterring potential recruits, with many people thinking the army only involves combat roles.

The survey also found almost one in three people in Yorkshire and Humberside were not satisfied with their current careers.

Capt Mark Taylor, recruitment officer with the Queen’s Own Yeomanry, said there was currently a nationwide drive to increase the number of Army Reservists – formerly the Territorial Army – from 15,000 to 30,000, and this was reflected in York.

He said the squadron based at the barracks currently had about 50 soldiers and he wanted to increase this number to about 100.

The open day gave members of the public the chance to meet serving troops and see some of the equipment and vehicles they use in their work.