 |  The TA in Aberystwyth was always well-supported by local people |
The Territorial Army (TA) has unveiled a new platoon in Aberystwyth - the first in the town for six years. The previous infantry section was withdrawn because of cuts in the strategic defence review.
The new recruits will form part of the TA's Royal Welsh Regiment (RWR).
Welsh Social Justice and Regeneration Minister Edwina Hart, launching the platoon, said the RWR was the only infantry regiment in the Army which was expanding.
Captain Ollie Major, the RWR's adjutant, said TA infantry were based in north and south Wales but not in mid Wales.
"We've had a centre in Aberystwyth for many years, but the infantry was withdrawn in the strategic defence review of 1999," he said.
"The TA in Aberystwyth was always well-supported by local people before then.
"We have other TA infantry platoons in Wrexham, Caernarfon, Pontypridd, Swansea and Cardiff, but nothing in mid Wales so the centre is being reopened to infantry."
Mrs Hart said Aberystwyth had a long history of military tradition, particularly territorial.
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