AN elite fighting force is enjoying a surge in recruitment, despite suffering heavy losses in Afghanistan.

Eleven soldiers from Colchester-based 2nd Batallion of the Parachute Regiment were killed during a six-month tour of Afghanistan last year.

But instead of putting off prospective Paras, it is inspiring new recruits.

Four young men have become the latest to sign up for the gruelling six-month training course.

For 20-year-old Daniel Bloare, from Colchester, it is a chance to do something that is a challenge – more so than his current job as a stage hand setting up for bands at arenas including the O2 and Wembley in London.

He said: “I’ve been with the Territorial Army for about two years doing all the getting up early and going training and I decided I wanted to do it for a purpose.

“Every day will be a challenge, but it will give me a purpose and a good career.”

John Tredgett’s inspiration came from watching his brother’s passing out parade after he joined the Royal Logistics Corp.

The 25-year-old from Weeley said: “I was so impressed with it and with how disciplined it was.

“I’d left university after studying English literature and I’d been working in insurance and I didn’t know what I wanted to do.

“I’m looking forward to going out to Afghanistan because that was one of my reasons for joining – to be able to help.”

The prospect of a tour to Afghanistan was a little daunting at first for Shane Morris, but the idea of being a paratrooper soon overcame that.

The 21-year-old from Clacton said: “I’d originally looked at joining the Army when I was 16, but decided to go to college to do mechanics.

“Then I got made redundant last year and while I was looking at my options, the Army came up.”

Jason Chester, 21, from Sudbury, chose the Paras because he wanted to go and fight for his country.

He said: “I’m looking forward to the training because I’ve always liked being active.”

Major Adam Dawson, from 2 Para, told the recruits: “The next six months will be challenging.

“But I’ve seen this turn boys into men and it’s a great career opportunity.”