A NEW Forest MP has branded teachers' calls to ban the use of army enrolment methods in schools "nonsense".

Despite the Ministry of Defence saying it does not recruit in schools and only visits students when invited, delegates at the National Union of Teachers conference voted to oppose military recruitment in the classroom if misleading propaganda was seen to be used.

But Desmond Swayne, a Territorial Army officer, who served in Iraq five years ago, said: "This is nonsense. The services do not recruit in schools. You can join at 17 but not without written parental consent. It's important military presentation teams are allowed to make pupils aware of the challenges and opportunities of service life. These opportunities should not be denied to disadvan-taged children. Teachers would do better to concern themselves with improving school discipline."

Teachers at the conference were especially worried youngsters in deprived areas were being targeted, as they do not have the same opportunities as children from wealthier backgrounds.

But Christchurch Borough councillor, Brett Bader, who set up a voluntary Combined Cadet Force at the Grange School four years ago, disagreed with the concerns.

Cllr Bader, a Territorial Army officer and former teacher said: "The Armed Forces have always provided schools with opportunities for students to challenge and personally develop themselves.

"The same opportunities are offered to all. This forms part of a balanced careers service to educate youngsters on vocational opportunities regardless of socio-economic background."

He added: "Students have inquisitive minds and are keen to test themselves. Some have an interest in joining whilst others want to find out more and become more informed citizens."