Army recruit numbers have increased as the popularity of the armed forces has soared.

As a song celebrating the nation’s armed forces by the X-Factor finalists tops the charts, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has revealed that the number of people joining the forces has jumped.

In the 12 months to the end of June, 17,860 men and women signed up to the military, 2,250 more than the previous year, while the number completing basic training grew by 12.6%, or an extra 1,830 personnel.

Bob Ainsworth, the Armed Forces minister, told The Times: “There has been a fantastic outpouring of public appreciation for our Armed Forces. It has been humbling to see the strength of feeling on our streets, thanking soldiers, sailors and airmen for their sacrifices, and applauding their heroism.”