ANY army worth its salt marches on its stomach - just ask Burnley raw recruit Laura Bickle.

For the former Mansfield High School pupil will swap Civvy Street for a mess tent after she undertakes her basic training with the Army.

The 18-year-old, from Aspen Drive, who one day hopes to open her own restaurant, is one of a number of recruits from the Burnley and Rossendale areas about to embark on a military career.

She said: "I just thought it would be better than a dead-end supermarket job. I wanted something different."

Laura admits she had tried out college and was doing nothing much' before she was tempted by the force's recruit-ment adverts.

Joining her will be 17-year-old Joe Pike, formerly of Valley Gardens, Hapton, but now living in Stalybridge.

He said: "I want to see the world and learn all about different cultures - and make my mum and dad proud of me."

Joe will be entering the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment after completing his basic training.

For plasterer Matthew Cooper, 21, from Stacksteads, near Bacup, the chance of joining the Royal Artillery represents a fresh start.

The father-of-one and former Haslingden High School pupil wanted a more secure future, and spoke to friends who served in the armed forces before signing up.

"I just wanted a new challenge and to help people less fortunate than myself," he added.

The Army recruitment office for the area, in Yorkshire Street, Burnley, has now expanded to offer help and advice about careers in both the regular and territorial armies.

Careers office manager John Greechan said: "We hold enlistments every few weeks.

"Recruits will swear an oath to the Queen and receive a certificate."