Photos: Virtual fighting force takes over shopping centre

Laser weapon ranges and virtual battlefield simulators came to a shopping centre in London yesterday as the army launched a recruitment drive.

As well as testing their mettle in simulated warfare, visitors to the army showroom in the Treaty Centre in Hounslow tried out army equipment and chatted to serving soldiers.

Colonel Paul Meldon, seen sat in the buggy here, the commander of regional recruiting for London said in a statement: "While one might not expect to see a soldier ordering a Subway or a pair of military fatigues striding past New Look, the army are convinced that this is the way to demystify the military and begin a dialogue with the public."

Photo credit: Commander Regional Recruiting