The Territorial Army wants to recruit new ‘part-time’ soldiers from the Market Drayton area to plug gaps left by an increase in frontline operations and the downsizing of the regular Army.

It is part of a nationwide recruitment drive to sign up 5,245 new soldiers during the next six months. Recruitment is open to people aged from 17 to 33. Members of The Royal Mercian & Lancastrian Yeomanry will visit town for the initiative.

They will be setting up base in Arlon Square on Saturday and in the Royal British Legion Club on Church Street on Wednesday from 2pm until 7pm.

The regiment has a strong history with Market Drayton having originally formed in 1975 by the Corbett family who owned Adderley Hall.

Captain Nick Trevor said the most army jobs were open to TA soldiers, from doctors and nurses in field hospitals to infantry soldiers working on the frontline.

He said: “The TA requires less commitment than an Army career but involves many of the same challenges and rewards.

“The Royal Mercian & Lancastrian Yeomanry has always had strong ties to Market Drayton and now we are looking to rediscover it.

“A career in TA is very rewarding. You are very much a part-time soldier and are paid for the work you do.”

Alongside promoting the recruitment drive Captain Trevor was also in town to pay tribute to a Hodnet historian whose latest book has raised £1,725.52 for Help for Heroes.

Gerald Mothershaw’s book, The War Years 1939-1945 – How Times Have Changed, went on sale 12 months ago and includes tales from servicemen based in Hodnet and other villages around Market Drayton during the war.

It also has a chapter about Corporal Simon Vaughan who was severely injured in an explosion while serving in Afghanistan in December 2008.

Mr Mothershaw said: “As an ex-serviceman and because this book is about the Second World War I decided the money raised should go to Help for Heroes.”

Anyone wanting more information on the TA or how to join can call (01952) 632940.

By Tom Johannsen