Last updated 11:59, Wednesday, 21 May 2008

THE Territorial Army centre in Barrow has received some old fashioned spit and polish.

SCISSOR CUTTING: Brigadier Mike Griffiths (centre) pictured opening the TA Centre’s refurbishment project at Holker Street in Barrow, with the assistance of Sergeant Martin Robson (left) and Sergeant Ian Aspin JON GRANGER REF: 0430659

By Sam Walker and Louise Ducie PAGE 16 LEAD with pic 430659

The £18,500 revamp of the 100-year-old building, which was funded by the Ministry of Defence’s recruitment budget, includes an updated recruitment centre and new main entrance.

The centre was officially opened by Brigadier Mike Griffith.

Brig Griffith, who cut the ribbon, said: “The new entrance is a lot better for applicants than the old one.

“It used to have big wooden doors and people could walk past and not know what was inside.

“Now it is much more welcoming. It’s 500 per cent better.

“Considering the amount of people we recruit from Barrow, it should have been done before. It’s an up-to-date office for an up-to-date army. I’m delighted with it.

“I have two children in the army and I think it is a very good career. It is important to have a neat recruitment centre.”

Army applicants are accepted into the army following a strict three-month training programme in which their suitability is tested.

They are then assigned to a training regiment in the field of their choice.

New Army recruit, Sam Wall, also attended the relaunch to take his official oath.

The 22-year-old, who was recruited through the Barrow centre in October, said: “I wanted to join the army for the lifestyle and really just for the personal challenge.

“I’m looking forward to it. I don’t mind where I go. I will go where the army tells me to.

“The centre here has been great to me. The refurbishment makes it so much more welcoming.”

Mr Wall is set to join the armoured engineers in the coming weeks.