The Army Careers Information Office in Ilford has closed to prospective soldiers.

The centre, in Cranbrook Road, offered advice on training and job opportunities to people considering going into the forces.

New applicants were turned away from December 18 and the Reserve Forces and Cadets Association took over.

The office was closed completely on February 8 and will be handed back to the landlord for a new tenant later this month.

It is one of 83 out of 156 Army careers offices closing across the UK.

A Ministry of Defence spokesman said the Army is increasingly recruiting through websites and social media.

She added: “Online applications are rising so the requirement for recruitment offices is declining, but we will maintain our mobile and high street presence so that young people can still speak to uniformed personnel.”

The cuts come after outsourcing firm Capita was contracted by the MoD to take over Army recruitment services.