STAFF from York firms have taken part in a special military exercise.

Workers from the Portakabin Group and Yorkshire Bank joined the Queen’s Own Yeomanry, from Yeomanry Barracks in Fulford Road at the three-day course held at Catterick Military Training Area, which was designed to teach leadership and teamwork skills.

The exercise, called Executive Stretch, was run by civilians who also serve as Reservists in the Navy, Marines, Army or RAF across Yorkshire.

David Offen, production engineer at Portakabin, said: "It has been an incredible experience. The environment and challenges you’re thrown into are extraordinary, and you learn so much – about yourself, as much as the leadership and teamwork skills.

"The reservists around us were brilliant. It’s hard to believe they have day jobs like the rest of us but are also fully trained soldiers. They looked after us brilliantly, and gave us all an experience we’ll remember for the rest of our lives."

Colonel Jason Wright, chief executive of the Reserve Forces’ and Cadets’ Association (RFCA) in Yorkshire and The Humber, said: "It was good to see all the participants getting stuck in and enjoying the whole experience."

For more information about the role of Reservists or to find out more go to rfca-yorkshire.org.uk