Despite the announcement about a reduction in the size of the armed forces in the recent Defence Review, the Army still needs new recruits and is keen to maintain its ties with Oxfordshire.

Although the old Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry Regiment is no more, having been amalgamated into the Royal Green Jackets, the county is still one of the main recruiting areas for the Green Jackets' two regular battalions.

Col Mike Bradley, the commander for regional recruiting in the South East and Home Counties, said: "We still have challenging targets to meet, with the Regular Army still requiring about 12,000 officers and soldiers every year to replace those who have elected to leave or who have reached the end of their service.

"Oxfordshire has, and always will be, an important recruiting area for the Army. We continue to offer a wide range of opportunities for young people, both with existing skills, vocational, technical and academic qualifications, and those looking to gain trades and qualifications."

Anyone aged between 16 and 30 who would like further information about Army career opportunities should visit the Oxford Army Recruitment Office, at 35 St Giles, telephone 01865 515989, or visit the website www.army.mod.uk/careers