recruitment campaign by the Bermuda Regiment.

A rallying call to former Regiment members to brush off their boots and stand to attention received a hearty welcome in the Parishes.

And next month up to 15 men will start training to become the Bermuda Regiment Reserves -- with the aim of eventually getting enough recruits to form a 35-strong platoom.

Lt. Col. Patrick Outerbridge said the scheme has already been a victory but said he thought there were more old soldiers ready to come forward.

The idea is to attract men who were previously members of the Regiment but stopped attending because of family or work commitments -- and who now find themselves with the spare time to devote to service.

"We have had a good cross section of people come forward,'' said Lt. Col.

Outerbridge.

"They will probably meet five times a year but there could be numerous other opportunities.'' The Regiment is hoping they can draw on the expertise of the men as support for other areas of the service, particularly during overseas camps.

And in addition there could be other opportunities for the soldiers to take part, during special activities for example.