AN ARMY recruit from Burnley returned home to try to encourage more people to join the forces.

Luke Thornton, 17, from Parliament Street, joined up in 2006 and has spent the week at the Army careers office telling people of about life in the forces.

The aim of the week, which was organised through the 'Satisfied Soldier' scheme, was to give people thinking about signing up an insight into what life as a soldier was like.

The scheme was set up to allow people to have one-to-one honest chats with new recruits.

Former Towneley High School pupil Luke has just completed his initial military training at the Allenby Barracks, Bovington, and is training to be a tank driver, spent four days in the careers office in Yorkshire Street.

Luke said: "I found out about the Army from my brother who used to be a soldier. But when I signed up I didn't know just what was involved with the training.

"I decided to come to the office and tell people about my experiences because I think it is important that people know what is involved before they sign up.

"I have had a lot of fun since I joined and have been skiing in Austria on an adventure trip and been to Normandy in France for a history trip.

"I am hoping to move up through the ranks and hopefully train as a sniper."

Sgt Richard Haggath, an Army careers advisor, said: "The week has been really successful. We have had a lot of people come in and chat to Luke.

"The scheme gives people the chance to get a real insight into life as a soldier and we are hoping to have more new recruits in the office in the future."