A NEW officer has been placed in charge of a TA unit.

Lieutenant Colonel Terry Smith is taking the helm at the TA's 101 Engineer Regiment which is based in Bromley Road, Catford.

The 40-year-old is replacing Lt Col Richard Elvidge, 42, who is stepping down after two- and-a-half years in the post.

Lt Col Smith, who works as a financial services manager away from the Army, said: "I'm honoured to be taking over command of the UK's only TA bomb-disposal regiment.

"I am looking forward to furthering its achievements and deserved success."