A NORTH west GP has taken over as commanding officer of a Blackburn-based Territorial Army regiment.

Major Robin Jackson, 49, from Lancaster, is now head of the B Squadron, 207 (Manchester) Field Hospital (Volunteers).

The adventurous officer has been a in the TA for 22 years and recently headed to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro with a squadron flag. Now he hopes to try and encourage more medical workers to join the 'terriers'.

He said: "Having just achieved one of my major ambitions to reach the summit of one of the highest free-standing mountains in the world, I look forward to another challenge which is becoming the commanding officer of B Squadron in Blackburn.

"One of my main aims is to try and encourage other healthcare professionals of the benefits and experiences that can be gained from being a member of the TA and in particular the Army Medical Services."

For more information or to join the TA, call Captain Geoff Hodgson on 0161 764 3351 or the main headquarters on 0161 226 8511.