HEXHAM MP Guy Opperman was joined by MOD Minister Mark Lancaster on a visit to Otterburn Ranges.

Mr Lancaster, bases minister at the MOD, who has served in the forces himself, was keen to visit the base and speak to troops.

Mr Opperman said: “It was fantastic to spend time on Otterburn Ranges with many gunners who were practising their skills in wintry, windy conditions, working with different regiments in close quarters.

“Otterburn provides a unique training ground and it was good to meet the visiting troops, the reservists, and my constituents the gunners from 3RHA (3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery).

Mr Opperman added that the accommodation at the Albemarle base near Stamfordham has been updated.

“The biggest problem is the lack of mobile coverage at the base which we are trying to fix,” he said.

“It was good for the troops to have the opportunity to make the case to the minister and for him to hear from them first hand.”

Mr Opperman and Mr Lancaster had the opportunity to see the batteries at work, meet the gunners in action and meet the reservists who supply crucial support to the regulars.”

Lt Colonel Murphy said: “We have been made to feel very welcome by the people of Northumberland since we made our home here at Albemarle Barracks.

“Otterburn is a a great training base and it was good to welcome the local MP and the bases minister so that they could see the batteries in action and talk to the troops.”