BLACKBURN dad Jonathan Coker had more to prove than most during his basic Army training.

Jonathan, from Shadsworth, was more than a decade older than most of his fellow new recruits.

He signed up at the age of 30 and found himself training with 16 and 17-year-old school leavers.

He said: "I felt I was competing against them but it made me work a bit harder!"

The Army Careers Office in Blackburn made a special case of Jonathan to get his application accepted as he was at the very upper age limit for new recruits.

They were impressed by the fact he wanted a secure forces career so he could provide for his children, Joel, four, and two-year-old Megan.

Jonathan had long spells of unemployment and several short-term jobs before deciding to join up.

He said: "I woke up one morning and said to my girlfriend that I wanted to join the Army.

"She laughed at me but I just kept trying and trying and now I have finished all my training and I am actually doing the job." Jonathan is a supply specialist with the Royal Logistics Corps based at RAF Wattisham in Ipswich.

He said: "It is quite interesting. There is a lot to learn. It is different to any job I have ever had before -- a lot faster, but a lot more rewarding. You feel like you are doing something worthwhile."

Staff Sergeant Shamim Ahmed said the Army did have age limits for recruits but there were openings available in some areas for older people.

Another new recruit to the Army, 18-year-old Brett Walmsley from Darwen, has been offering advice to those interested in enlisting at the Army Careers Office in Blackburn.

Brett joined up in September last year and completed his basic training at Army Training Regiment Pirbright before joining 14 Regiment Royal Artillery at Larkhill, Salisbury.

Brett has always wanted to join the Army and particularly enjoyed the physical and adventure training.