By Matthew Legg

Last updated 11:40, Thursday, 10 July 2008

A BANK worker from Carlisle is taking his boss to a royal garden party today to say thank-you for supporting his army career.

Supporter: David Hannon of the Clydesdale Bank

Mark English – who spent three months in Afghanistan last year – is one of hundreds of Territorial Army (TA) reservists who will attend the reception at Buckingham Palace.

Hosted by The Earl of Wessex and The Princess Royal, the event will recognise the backing given by employers to the TA and will celebrate the service’s centenary.

Mark, who works at Carlisle’s Clydesdale Bank, will take boss David Hannon to the event.

Mark, who has been in the TA for 32 years, said: “Last year I was mobilised to Afghanistan for three months.

“As soon as I told my boss, he was extremely supportive and immediately started putting in place plans to cover my role.

“Before I left, he sent a newsletter around the office so everyone knew about my mobilisation and also arranged both a leaving party and a welcome back party. I really appreciated the support and it meant I didn’t have to worry about my job whilst I was in Afghanistan.”

Mr Hannon, managing partner at the Clydesdale, said: “We’re proud to support Mark. He and his colleagues in the TA perform a vital role for the country.”

Representatives of more than 400 companies from across the UK will be attending including Carlisle businesses Pirelli and Brown Roofing Services.

Tim Corry, the Director of SaBRE (Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers), which organised the event, said: “A crucial factor in the TA’s success over the last 100 years has been the support, encouragement and understanding of many of the UK’s employers.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for reservists to thank their employers for their support with a special day out.”