ROYAL visitor HRH the Earl of Wessex got stuck into the action at Bovington camp when he took control of a military training vehicle on Saturday.

On his first visit as the Royal Wessex Yeomanry's honorary colonel Prince Edward, wearing combat gear, watched live firing of tanks on the Bovington ranges.

In the afternoon the Earl met Dorset's A Squadron and saw a demonstration in which a temporary bridge was laid and a variety of military track vehicles, including 62-ton Challenger 2 tanks roared into action.

Then it was the Earl's turn to take control of a modified Challenger vehicle and power it up a steep slope and down the other side.

For the Royal Wessex Yeomanry it was an opportunity to show their skills as the south west's Territorial Armoured Regiment, which is manned almost entirely by part-time soldiers.

After completing his day on the firing ranges the Earl met soldiers and TA recruits who had returned from Operation Telic in Iraq.

Among those taking part in the demonstration day was 25-year-old Andrew Crompton from Swanage.

He joined the TA two years ago and is preparing for an imminent tour of duty in Iraq. Andrew is taking time out from his normal job with a wire-fitting company to serve in the Gulf for six months.

Having been trained to drive a selection of the armoured vehicles Andrew, who was introduced to the Earl, said: "I've always been interested in the army since I left school. In the TA you meet a great bunch of people of all different ages and skills.

"I'm looking forward to going to Iraq. One of my friends is going as well."

Staff Sgt Grenville Pike, of Poole, served in the regular army for 22 years and returned with the TA after a two-year break.

The former crew commander's driving skills were much-needed when Dorset's armour replacement squadron was formed. He said: "It is like a lifeline for me, and it's good comradeship, exciting and fun, as well as an opportunity to earn money and learn more skills."