ARMOURED vehicles, a missile launcher and even a 19-piece military band have been used to boost the numbers of army recruits in South Cumbria.

In July 1990 the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards came to Barrow on one of the hottest days of the year.

They set up outside The Forum looking for recruits and the star of the show was a new £750,000 Scorpion tracked armoured vehicle with a top speed of 45mph.

Among those feeling the summer heat in his heavy dress uniform was drummer Lance Corporal Noel Anderson, who was pleased to accept a cooling can of pop from junior spectator Neil Kirkham.

It was part of a national tour called Keep the Army in the Public Eye.

A team of 30 guardsmen, a 19-piece band and the Scorpion vehicle returned in October 1991 for a visit seeking new recruits in Ulverston.

Among those introducing youngsters to the military equipment was Lance Corporal Philip Buckmaster, from Grange.

The Mail, on October 24, noted: "Shoppers were taken by surprise when a tank drove through the streets of Ulverston.

"It was from the 5th Royal Inniskilling Dragoon Guards who are on a week's visit to Cumbria."

The Mail, on September 27 in 2000 met young recruits from Barrow, Ulverston, Millom, Askam and Kendal who had signed up for a military career and were off to the Army Foundation College at Harrogate.

They all faced a tough 12-week initial training programme said Army Careers officer Mike Clarke.

Among those keen to experience a new way of life was former Alfred Barrow School pupil Tracy Potter, 16, who was to train as a driver and radio operator.

She had been a Barrow army cadet for four years before deciding to make it her career.

Amanda Woodcock, 16, was a former pupil of Parkview School, Barrow. and aimed to be an army supplies controller.

She said: "I enjoyed finding out about it on a work experience placement in Yorkshire and thought this is for me."

Gareth Lovell, 16, was a former pupil at Dowdales School, Dalton, and was to be an army trainee chef.

He said: "I plan to make a career out of it and stay at least 10 years, then I'll be a head chef somewhere or run my own place.

"I'd like to specialise, so I'd like to go to Switzerland and France to learn about becoming a pastry chef."