A RECRUITER at the Worcester Army Careers Office is heading back to join his regiment after two years in the city.

Sergeant Andy Milton, of the Queen's Royal Hussars, has signed up more than 50 recruits from the county into the tank regiment during the past year.

He will meet up with colleagues in Germany in two weeks' time.

"I'll be sad to leave Worcester," said the 36-year-old. "I've got settled here again, being Worcester born and bred. But I'll be back visiting friends and family.

"I've had a good time, I've visited lots of schools and colleges and been welcomed by all the teachers."

As well as recruiting soldiers, Sgt Milton has spent his time raising money for a children's charity.

Last year, soldier and best friend Howard Robinson died of cancer. Not long afterwards his son Ben - Sgt Milton's godson - was diagnosed with the same strain of the disease.

Sgt Milton ran the London Marathon this year to raise money for PACT, Parent's Association for Children with Tumours.

The charity enables sick children to spend time at home rather than in hospital.

Sgt Milton raised £1,150 for the charity and was due to present the cheque to 11-year-old Ben last weekend.

"Unfortunately Ben was admitted to hospital and died on Monday," he said.

"It's such a shame for his mum, having lost both her husband and her son within a year. But at least he's not suffering any more.

"I'd like to thank everyone who helped me raise money for PACT because it helps children like Ben spend more time with their families.

"I'm glad I was with the careers office this year because it's meant that I could spend time with him and I'll be able to go to his funeral. If I'd been in Germany I would've had trouble getting back."

Sgt Milton, who has a leaving party next week, is being followed as representative of the QRH by Sgt Neil Kew.

"I hope he'll carry on the good work and enlist more people into the regiment."