SCHOOLCHILDREN swapped lessons to experience life a soldier at the Duke of Gloucestershire Barracks near South Cerney today.

Teenagers from Cirencester Kingshill School were given the chance to learn military survival skills, examine weapons, try out radios and watch demonstrations given by 29 Regiment soldiers.

They also cast their eyes over vintage vehicles and weapons  that will be on display at The Gloucestershire Vintage and Country Extravaganza, which the Regiment hosts each year.

And those that took part in the activities said they really enjoyed the day.

Tom Riley, a year 10 pupil, that attended, said: “It is brilliant, it is a really good day - I am just happy to be here.

“It has made me want to do something in public services. It was something I knew about before and wasn’t keen on but today has put it into perspective really.”

Calum Maw, who is in year 8, said: “I think it is a good way to see what the military do in a regular day in the army.”

He added that his favourite part of the day was finding out about camouflage crème.

“They showed us what you need to do to stand out in the nature of the environment.”

Another Year 8 pupil, Joe Gardiner, said: “It is a good way to see different types of things the army uses. I wasn’t really interested in the army before but now I have seen some of this it has given me an idea about joining the army.”

Elijah Biggs, who is also in Year 8, said he enjoyed the event and said it had been a good insight into life in the army.

As part of Community Engagement Week, pupils from Ann Edwards Primary School in South Cerney  and Cotswold District councillors and town councillors are  visiting the base to get an insight into what happens there.

Station Staff Officer at the barracks David Martin explained that the week was a good way of the regiment getting support from the community.

He said: “A lot of people drive past these barracks and they do not know what is happening here and we do need the local community to help us. We have 110 families here and we do need support. We are inviting the community here to see what they can do for us.”

As part of the day, the children were able to try out vehicles such as, landrovers and jeeps and view weaponry displays, which were provided by the Stroud Vintage Transport & Engine Club, who organise, The Gloucestershire Vintage and Country Extravaganza.

Chairman of the Gloucestershire Vintage and Country Extravaganza, Martyn Slater, said that the group wanted to give back to the community by taking part in the Community Engagement week.

He said: “We cause disruption to the locality (by putting on the show) we just want to support local community events as a bit of redress.”

The 41st Gloucestershire Vintage and Country Extravaganza takes place between July 31 and August  2 at South Cerney Airfield in Cirencester, on land owned by 29 Regiment.