IF YOU went down to the woods at the weekend you would have been in for a big surprise.

Territorial soldiers from the C Squadron of the Royal Wessex Yeomanry, based at Somerford Road in Cirencester, were preparing for battle with intensive mock attacks and vehicle exercises at Chedworth Woods.

The unit will be part of the only TA regiment supporting a new Army Reaction force. It also supports the regular army in Afghanistan and a number of the soldiers were recently presented with medals by Prince Edward for their work overseas.

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