DAREDEVILS were given the chance to skydive and drive a tank simply by wearing 3D glasses as part of an Army open day.

Thornbury Barracks in Pudsey opened its doors to the public at its recruitment drive for the British Army Reserve, formerly known as the Territorial Army.

As part of Saturday's event, run by the Reserve battalion of The Parachute Regiment (4 PARA), visitors tried on the 360-degree Oculus Rift technology. They had the choice between four army situations, a skydive, fighting in a built-up area, hill walking and travelling in a tank.

Captain Tim Fleming, of 4 PARA at Thornbury Barracks, said: "It's a fantastic piece of equipment, it's like you're up there in the sky.

"It's the most realistic experience without getting in a plane."

The event was held to boost Army Reserve numbers from the Bradford district. It is part of the Government's 'Future Reserves 2020' plan, announced in 2011, which is looking to recruit 35,000 Reservists by 2020.

Under the proposals, the Ministry of Defence is providing more money to train more Army Reservists with the aim of more frequently deploying entire Army Reserve units.

Most recently Army Reserve personnel have served in Iraq and Afghanistan. To join, candidates should be physically fit and aged between 17 and 31, or older if they have previous Army experience.

One of the people the Army Reserves recruited at Saturday's event was Nicole Wright, 23, of Moorside Road, Eccleshill, who works as a nursery nurse.

She signed up to find out more on training to become a combat medic technician, as she looks to forge a career as a nurse.

If she joins, she will work at the 212 Field Hospital in Leeds.

Miss Wright said: "I'm going to go for an interview to find out more. I'm looking forward to it.

"Everyone was super friendly today and seems to be happy about being in the Army Reserves.

"I've just got to get the ball rolling and get more information about it."

Cpt Fleming added: "Recruitment is going well. The importance of the event today is for recruitment for the Army Reserve.

"We would like to boost our recruitment from West Yorkshire, which is why we are holding this open day.

"It has been a success. We had two people join the Army Reserve and 12 expressions of interest in joining in the first couple of hours of the open day.

"You could be a cook, medic or truck driver. All those roles are available today for people to find out more about. Almost every branch of the military was here today and available to the public.

"The jewel in the crown of the day was the Lynx helicopter landing."

The open day featured a range of military units, including a dozen from across Yorkshire such as the Fourth Battalion Yorkshire Regiment, based in Huddersfield, and the 53 Military Intelligence Company from Leeds.

A number of stands at Thornbury Barracks featured representatives from the Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Royal Logistic Corps and combat medics.

Sergeant Dave Walker, also of 4 PARA, spoke of the benefits of signing up. He said: "The British Army Reserve gives you opportunities which you don't get on Civvie Street.

"It offers you overseas trips, adventure training and scuba diving."

Visitors were given the chance to handle military weapons, sit in Army tanks and helicopters and handle military weapons and kit including thermal imaging goggles and laser lights.

Military vehicles, including a Jackal and a Multiple Launch Rocket System launcher (MLRS) were also on display.

Visitors said the event gave them an interesting insight into life as a soldier. They

Mark Church, 50, of Beeston, said: "It's interesting, everything is here.

"As a recruitment process, it's excellent."

Dominick Dyer, 32, who is based at the Army Reserve with 4 PARA in Thornbury, added: "It's fantastic. I have brought my son down to have a look as he wants to join when he's older."

Andrew Jones, 35, of Overburn Road, Sutton-in-Craven, attended the event with his step-son Stephen Pickering, six.

Mr Jones said: "It's great. You can imagine its quite exciting if you are in the Army.

"It's been very interesting to have a look today."