A BOLTON girl is battling to join the Army after being barred because she suffers from a mild skin condition. Amy Plimley, 16, has recruited MP Ruth Kelly in her fight against what she claims is Ministry of Defence red tape. Amy has been refused permission to join the Army because she suffers from mild psoriasis.

She and her parents are determined to fight the decision, as the area of skin affected is only the size of a five pence piece.

Bolton West MP Mrs Kelly said the decision was particularly harsh as Amy has not required treatment for three years.

She said: "Amy is a very healthy 16 year old, who has wanted to join the Army as long as she could remember.

"She has represented Greater Manchester at hockey, and is just the kind of girl the Army is looking to recruit.

"I feel that this decision is particularly harsh, and have written to the Secretary of State for Defence George Robertson, to see whether the MOD can be lenient in this case."

Amy, of Barncroft Drive, Horwich said: "I love riding and had set my heart on joining the Royal Horse Artillery. I was gutted when they told me I couldn't because of the psoriasis.

"They said if it flared up while I was on a battlefield they would have to airlift me out but it just wouldn't happen. It is so depressing because you would not know it was there, it doesn't affect me at all."

Amy's parents argue that as asthma sufferers are allowed in the Army as long as they have not suffered an attack for two years, the same kind of rules should apply to psoriasis sufferers.

The former Canon Slade pupil is currently working at a town centre solicitors' office while she puts together an appeal.

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