THE Territorial Army threw open the doors of its Bolton headquarters at the weekend -- in a bid to find new recruits.

Visitors to the Nelson Street barracks were shown around the home of 216 Battery Bolton Artillery, which is part of the 103 Air Defence Regiment.

Displays included a low-level air defence system worth £26,000 which is used to shoot down enemy aircraft, individual personal weapons including a bayonet and machine gun, nuclear, biological and chemical warfare protection and an outdoor array of army vehicles.

Steve Woods, who lives in Deane and is a systems analyst with PC World, joined the TA 12 years ago having served in the Army.

The 37-year-old said: "I missed being in the Army, so joining the TA was ideal and I have a chance to do something totally different to my day-to-day job.

"I get to mix with people from all walks of life who are put in the same position and all get on with each other."

Major Lindsey Forbes, who is the Battery Commander at Bolton and lives in Stockport, joined the TA when she was a university student in 1982 and has never looked back.

The 36-year-old IT consultant said: "It's a challenge and good fun. I've done lots of travelling, the social life is great and I've had the chance to do lots of things I would never have done otherwise and have a lot of responsibility."

Sgt Sean Bowman from Blackrod admitted he joined the TA almost 12 years ago because he fancied a bit of extra money to fund a car.

The 32-year-old said: "I love it and would recommend it to anyone because there are so many great opportunities."

The TA, which forms an integral part of the regimented Army, offers the same pay structure as the Army and soldiers wear identical uniforms and follow the same rank structure.

Anyone wanting to join must be aged between 17 and a half and 31 and have plenty of motivation, but physical fitness is not essential as training will be given.

Potential recruits can pop into the centre on Tuesdays between 8 and 9pm or phone 362111 for further information.