A new recruitment drive at the Truro Army Reserve Centre has won the support of Truro and Falmouth MP Sarah Newton.

In July 2013 the Government announced that D Company 6 Rifles, currently based in Truro and Plymouth, would be based in Plymouth and Barnstaple from 2016.

Mrs Newton opposed the move, arguing that it would make serving harder for reservists from central and west Cornwall and would impact upon recruitment.

After leading a debate in the House of Commons and petitioning against the move Mrs Newton secured a Government rethink, with the MOD announcing in September that one platoon of the Rifles would continue to be based in Truro.

During Mrs Newton’s visit she met with two new recruits to the Rifles, Rifleman Jason Bath from Truro and Rifleman Zachirias Mitchell from Redruth, both taking advantage of a Reserves unit based close to their homes. A further six new riflemen are going through the recruitment process.

Mrs New said that the recruitment drive has been further bolstered by measures contained in the Defence Reform Act 2014, conferring new benefits on employers whose staff members volunteer with the Reserve forces.

Businesses with an annual turnover of less than £25.9M and equivalent-sized charities and partnerships will be entitled to claim up to an additional £500 a month for every month a Reservist employee is mobilised. This is in addition to the existing Employer’s Award that covers the cost of replacing mobilised Reservists and any retraining costs when they go back to work.

Mrs Newton said: ‘‘In this Great War centenary year it was good to secure the future of the Rifles in Truro, perpetuating a link between Cornwall and the Regiment that dates back to 1782, and to see new incentives to volunteer come into effect.

"I was delighted to meet with reservists earlier this week, it was always a real privilege to spend time with the local residents who contribute their skills to our armed services. In doing so they not only serve their country, learn new skills and boost their incomes, but also now secure real benefits for their employers.

"I congratulate the Rifles on their ongoing recruitment success. All of us should be very proud of our Rifles and the amazing work they do.’’