THE Territorial Army is calling for Wycombe's Asian men and women to sign up in a bid to break perceptions of the force.

The part-time Army fighting force, based at Booker TA centre, wants to boost its recruits by reaching out to the town's sizeable Asian community.

The TA made the appeal during a successful two-week exercise in Germany.

Sgt Paul Chambers, TA recruitment officer, said: "We are keen to attract more of the town's Asian community to the TA. Most people look at the British Army as being white male and we want to change that. The perception is very difficult to break.

"In the TA no matter who you are, you are treated in exactly the same way as everyone else."

Sgt Chambers admitted he encountered some hostility from Muslims because of the war in Iraq.

He said: "They say they do not want to have to shoot other Muslims for the British Army. But I say to them they can help many Muslims around the world by giving out water and food. That is what the Army is like now."

Signaller Rehan Pasha, of High Wycombe, joined the 60th Signal Squadron at Booker TA two years ago and joins Sgt Chambers when he recruits in High Wycombe.

He said: "I have not encountered any problems since joining the TA. Everyone has been welcoming and there is a great camaraderie.

"I joined the signallers to travel the world. Last year we were in the Czech Republic and now we are in Germany."

The TA travelled back to England on Friday.