THE number of new recruits joining the Army in York and North Yorkshire is on the up.

A total of 18,448 young men and women have enlisted into the regular and Territorial Army during the past year.

The number of soldiers enlisting in the regular Army is up 11 per cent year-on-year. Recruiting into The Royal Regiment Of Artillery and regular infantry is up by 25 per cent.

The recruitment process has undergone an overhaul using a refreshed brand identity and website under the banner of One Army Recruiting (OAR).

Recruitment officers believe two key things have influenced the changes:

* The Territorial Army is an integral part of the Army, yet the current recruitment process treats them separately.

* There are currently 140 trades and 1,000 jobs in the Army. This provides opportunities for a wide scope of different personalities and skill sets. However, research has shown that awareness of this is low.

The Army has completed a research programme which examined young people's attitudes to and knowledge of the Army.

The programme explored what inspires young people and drives them in their career choice; and put the existing recruitment process under the microscope - examining who it targets, and how it directs people that have shown an interest in an Army career.

Employment opportunities available to young people in the Army will now be marketed under a refreshed Army: Be The Best logo.

Lieutenant Colonel John May, commander of regional recruiting for the North East and Yorkshire, said: "OAR introduces a new experience for anyone interested in learning about the Army".