INCREASING numbers of Warrington school leavers are considering a career in the Army, the latest statistics have revealed.

Recruiting figures at Warrington's Army Careers Office in Winmarleigh Street have risen by almost 28 per cent in the past two years. A survey also revealed that 42 per cent of young people rated Army life as one of the top three careers open to them, coming second only to retail.

Warrant Officer Andy Anderson said staff were hoping to beat their target of 150 recruits this year, an optimism which is partly due to the success of Saatchi & Saatchi's Be The Best advertising campaign.

"Our recruitment has risen year on year and most people say they got the idea from the TV," he said.

"We also have a lot more women applicants these days. All Army positions are now gender free, apart from infantry and tank carrier regiments. At the moment, we're processing about 40 female applicants, which is about a quarter of the total."

Recruitment nationally is on the increase, given the high profile of British peacekeeping troops in conflicts such as Kosovo.

But to be accepted, applicants must have a clean bill of health and no criminal record. Although ordinary soldiers can be accepted with no qualifications, higher posts require 'C'-grades in maths, English and science, and officers must have a minimum of two A-levels and five GCSEs.

"For every seven people applying, only one successfully enlists," said Andy.

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