YOU RE in the Army now. It wasn t quite like that, but more than 15,000 students had the opportunity to experience Army training at Bassingbourn Barracks. And the students included Year 10 from The Meridian School in Royston. They were attending the 35th

YOU'RE in the Army now.

It wasn't quite like that, but more than 15,000 students had the opportunity to experience Army training at Bassingbourn Barracks.

And the students included Year 10 from The Meridian School in Royston.

They were attending the 35th Schools Army Exhibition which enabled students to get hands-on experience of the opportunities available in the Army.

The activities included a musical workshop by The Minden Band, cooking, drills, parachute drops, an obstacle course and a tug-of-war.

Students also saw displays by the Royal Signals motorcycle team, the Red Devils - who did a free-fall parachute jump - and the 2nd Battalion Parachute Regiment.

David Mitchell, history teacher and organiser, said: "It was an excellent exhibition with every branch of the Army represented.

"It was also a fun day with Meridian winning the air-rifle shooting activity."

Event organiser Major Mick Bohanan said: "It is a great opportunity to give youngsters a taste of Army life.

"They had the opportunity to talk to soldiers and hear first-hand what life in the Army is really like."

About 15,000 students from 250 schools across the south-east and the Midlands attended the exhibition.