AN Army regiment hoping to recruit soldiers in East Lancashire has been barred from bringing a tank into Blackburn - because of fears it might damage paving stones.

The King's Royal Hussars had hoped to attract the attention of potential recruits by parking a tank outside Blackburn Shopping Centre.

But when it asked for permission, the shopping centre management refused.

Regiment spokesman Captain Marcus Mann said: "We were going to have a tank but they said we couldn't.

"I think they were worried about the damage to the cobbles but the tank is lighter, per square inch on the ground, than a man's weight, which is why we used it in Bosnia, where there were anti-tank mines."

Captain Mann said the tank usually attracted a great deal of attention but they would have to make do with a small display instead.

"It's a shame but we don't want to upset anyone because we do rely a great deal on the goodwill of people."

A spokeswoman for the shopping centre said it could not allow vehicles with tracks onto the newly-paved area.

"These Army displays are wonderful and we like them coming but a lot of money has been spent on that area and we can't risk any damage," she said.

Captain Mann said: "We have real jobs available with job security until midway into the 21st century."

The regiment, which is based in Germany, is the cavalry regiment for Lancashire and the North West.

It swapped horses for tanks after the First World War but remains proud of its heritage.

Anyone interested in learning more about a career with the regiment should contact the Army recruitment office in Blackburn on 01254 624263.

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