BANBURY’S new Army Reserve unit returned from its first major training exercise on Salisbury Plain on Saturday.

For two weeks, 30 officers and soldiers of 142 Vehicle Squadron of the Royal Logistic Corps have been learning and practising driving skills with quad bikes and HGVs.

Meanwhile, at the Defence School of Transport near Beverley, Yorkshire, six members of the squadron learned how to drive armoured patrol vehicles, such as the giant Mastiff troop-carrying vehicle used in Afghanistan.

Commmanding officer Major Jeremy Burnan said: “This marked the biggest single ramp-up of operational capability in the Squadron’s history. It has been a stunning success.”

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Squadron sergeant Major Mark Gott added: “The escape drills saw me suspended upside down inside my own body armour. These are crucial exercises.”

Newly qualified quad bike instructor Lance Corporal Amy Daniel said: “I cannot believe I have taken the soldiers to such levels of skill. I am very proud of all of them. This has been the best camp ever.”

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