A DOCTOR from Chorley is launching a major recruitment drive to tempt medical specialists into the army.

Dr Cliff Godby is heading a team of more than 400 trained volunteer healthcare professionals and other staff from the North West to support the Armed Services on operations in times of war or national emergency.

Dr Godby, who was second in command, took on the tough job of Commanding Officer of 207 (Manchester) Field Hospital after colonel John Wignall, a Preston GP stepped down.

The new colonel will face the challenge of trying to encourage doctors and nurses of the benefits of joining the Territorial Army Medical Services and his unit.

In addition to the main headquarters training bases are in Ashton-under-Lyne, Blackburn, Bury and Stockport.

All of the TA Centre locations have been identified as being ideal for recruitment purposes as they are close to known centres of medical excellence and it gives us a greater footprint around the North West.

Dr Godby said: "One of my overriding responsibilities will be to build on my predecessor's hard work by ensuring that the unit is fully prepared for its main role in providing modern and effective medical support in order to enhance the British military capabilities.

"Our Armed Forces deserve the best medical support we can provide. This includes ensuring that my unit is fully manned, trained, equipped, resourced and capable of providing timely and high quality medical care to the Armed Forces on operations and in peacetime."

Dr Godby, a hospice physician with the Wigan and Leigh Hospice, has been a member of the Territorial Army and this unit since 1985. He is married with two sons.

He added: "Throughout my military service I have undertaken a number of high profile military courses that have also stood me in good stead in my civilian employment, as well as having been on exercise in Gibraltar and in many corners of the UK.

"As well as the military side of life I have also enjoyed my involvement in a variety of adventurous training and sporting pursuits which are available to all members of the TA."

There has been an intensive advertising campaign over the past 12 months to raise the profile of the TA and in particular the vital role played by the Army Medical Services.

Poeple can learn lots of new skills as well as enhancing their existing ones.

These range from learning basic first aid to basic trauma and life support as well as improving their leadership and organisational skills.

Volunteers also receive a very good rate of pay and the work in spare time on top of an everyday job.

If anyone is interested in adventure and would like more information please call Major Peter Hockram on 0161 226 8511.