When I was asked to cover a Territorial Army competition I jumped at the chance of donning Army fatigues and smothering my face in camouflage paint. But it was not that kind of exercise.

I was drafted to Catterick Garrison, in North Yorkshire, to take part in a media handling scenario in the 'Martial Merlin' Military Skills Competition.

More than 200 soldiers from across Yorkshire and the North East battle it out each year for points at this, the Army's largest base - covering 2,400 acres together with 20,000 acres of training land.

This year's competition was organised and run by 15 (North East) Brigade - the UK's largest brigade.

Brigade commander Brigadier David Shaw said: "The exercise is arduous and concentrates on teamwork, leadership, physical fitness and achieving the mission.

"These are essential skills in today's modern Army and many of the TA soldiers in Yorkshire and the North East have had the chance to put these into practice when they have been mobilised for operations in the Balkans and Iraq."

Sixteen teams of 12 soldiers spent a gruelling weekend marching at speed cross-country from training stand to training stand carrying 30lb packs -- and this is, apparently, the highlight of the military training year.

At one of the 15 stands, the soldiers had to deal with a mock road traffic accident, where they had to administer first aid to any casualties while securing the perimeter.

At the Nuclear, Biological and Chemical stand each unit had to show they knew how to put on the necessary protective clothing properly. Once they had the full kit on, they had to demonstrate their dexterity in it by threading a needle.

A confidence course stand in the OBUA complex (Operating in Built Up Areas) involved the soldiers scaling walls and navigating underground drains and sewers in old married quarters on site. This incredible 'fake' town has dozens of residential houses, its own hotel and deserted streets dotted with the burnt-out shells of armoured vehicles -- very eerie.

The media stand -- where I was based at a deserted farmhouse -- was designed to test how each unit dealt with an incident at which the media were also present.

After two days and nights of intense mental and physical exertion the competition was won by C Company of the Tyne Tees Regiment, which is based in Bishop Auckland. East and West Riding Regiment Ypres Company, which is based in Huddersfield and has a detachment in Keighley on Lawkholme Lane, won the Commander's Cup for the best marks in fire, observation post, weapons and military knowledge.

In a break from my 'duties' I was taken on a tour of some of the other stands. Amid the scramble I grabbed a quick word with two Keighley soldiers from the company.

Lance Corporal Phil Lythe is a postman, but he has been in the TA for seven years. The 23-year-old from Wilsden signed up with a view to gaining some experience before joining the regulars. During his time with Ypres Company, he has done tours in Cyprus and Iraq.

He said: "During the time I spent in Iraq my only claim to fame is that I have sat on Uday Hussein's gold toilet."

Phil, who is now living in Aldershot, has recently decided on a change in career path. Instead of signing up for the regular Army, Phil has joined the police.

He said: "My circumstances changed when I got engaged. My fiance is already in the regulars and if we were both full time soldiers we wouldn't have much time to see each other."

Private Gavin Paton joined the TA two years ago.

The 22-year-old iron foundry machine operator said: "I joined for the basic stuff - the sleeping out and the fitness side of it.

"It's physically rewarding and they pay you for it - that's got to be better than sitting in front of the football all day."

Gavin, who lives with his dad and brother in Keighley, has an older brother based in Germany with the Duke of Wellington's Regiment.

He said: "I didn't want to sign up to the Army then hate it and be stuck with it, so I tried the TA first.

"But I've had a great time so I'm planning on joining the regulars in four months time."

As a media representative, I was only required to stay in Catterick for the one day -- but what a day.

The lack of sleep in the very basic barracks, the 4am start and the bitterly cold weather left me a zombie by the time we were done at 5pm.

As we drove off in the car I managed to keep my eyes open long enough to spot a group of soldiers trudging along to their next stand and realised that they had at least another 12 hours to go. I didn't envy them, but certainly had a new found respect for them.

These guys do a full time job Monday to Friday, then are trained in the equivalent of another full time job at the weekends.

If you think you have a hard time getting up on a Monday morning, try doing it after running around the Yorkshire Dales for two days -- they do it regularly.

Britain relies heavily on the contribution made by the TA reserves, who can be requested to serve alongside their regular colleagues during war -- there are currently 8,500 soldiers serving in Iraq, 1,000 of which are from the TA. They also play a crucial role at home in responding to natural disasters like flooding and foot and mouth.

In the words of Winston Churchill, each of these dedicated TA soldiers really is 'twice a citizen'.

For general information and advice about joining the TA, phone the national hotline on

0845 603 8000.

To find out more about Ypres Company phone 01484 516030 or visit the TA Centre on Lawkholme Lane on a Tuesday between 7.30pm and 9.30pm.