THERE has been an increase in inquiries from potential recruits to the Worcester Territorial Army since war began.

Many existing members of the part-time Army were called up to fight for their country for the first time, when the war on Iraq began.

And they appear to have inspired other ordinary members of the public.

Captain Dave Morgan, who is in charge of 214 Battery Royal Artillery at Silver Street, said people had been showing interest in the TA since the war in Iraq started last week.

"We've had quite a bit of interest, more from the older generation phoning up to give their support," said Capt Morgan. "They're in their 40s, which, unfortunately, is no good for us.

"We're after people aged from 17 to 32, but if people have got catering or mechanical expertise we can take them a lot older."

A number of members of the TA have already been deployed to Cyprus in case they are needed in the Gulf.

There is a recruitment drive at TA centres across the West Midlands on Saturday, May 29, including at the Kidderminster headquarters.

And the Worcester TA will be holding recruitment drives in May and at the Three Counties Show.