A NEW training centre has been launched by ambitious forces preparation specialists in Bury.

Evolve Military College used to work out of the Sea Cadets building in Marsden Street.

But the outfit, formerly known as Military Standard Training had outgrown the premises.

And now they are calling Link House, in Walmersley Road, their new headquarters.

The development has come after the enterprise launched a satellite centre in Burnley and had discussed branching out into Preston.

Company founder Andy Emmett said: "We are extremely excited to be able to make our course available to more young people in Bury.

"The students who come through our doors often need guidance to push them in the right direction and to channel their energy in a positive way.

"They arrive as young kids but complete the course as highly focussed young men and women with a real sense of self-worth and pride in themselves and their community."

Andy and his team have been focused on bridging the gap between traditional education and the military since 2016.

Their free courses, for 16 to 24-year-olds can last up to 26 weeks and deliver the basic skills required for life in the forces. The Duke of Edinburgh Open Award is also available.

The firm can call upon a workforce comprised entirely of ex-military personnel and deploy state-of-the-art equipment to get the job done.

An open event is now being staged at Link House, to further showcase what Evolve have on offer, from 10am to 12.30pm tomorrow (Friday), which will be attended by the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Trevor Holt, and his consort, Evelyn Holt.

The civic pair will also be on hand as Evolve students receive awards before beginning their forces careers at the Army Foundation College in Harrogate.

Last year was also a stellar time for the venture, as Mr Emmett picked up the Backing Young Bury prize at the Made In Bury business awards.