Record numbers of people turned out at the weekend to get an insight into the role of York's part-time soldiers.

York MP Hugh Bayley and Lord Mayor of York Shan Braund were among the hundreds who visited the city's TA units for an open day at their base in Fulford Road on Saturday.

The full range of weapons and equipment used by Imphal Company, East and West Riding Regiment, was on display along with armoured vehicles from Y Squadron, Queen's Own Yeomanry. The skills of TA medics and Intelligence Corps members from York were also on show.

Visitors across the age range toured the display stands, tested their marksmanship skills on the paint-ball range and got to grips with a range of kit.

Imphal Company's commanding officer, Major 'Dusty' Miller, said: "Today has been all about pushing ourselves out into the community - showing the public what we do and letting employers see what they can get out of it."

Updated: 10:56 Monday, April 02, 2001