BRITAIN'S spymasters are launching a recruitment drive in Greater Manchester.

MI5 chiefs - portrayed in the TV drama Spooks - are especially keen on signing up women in their fight against terrorism.

The service is increasing its staff nationally from about 2,000 to 3,000 and has opened an office in this region.

The move is part of a massive expansion of MI5 in the aftermath of the 9/11 terror attacks in America.

Recruitment posters are being put up in female changing areas in gyms and club areas in health centres.

Sources dismiss parallels with the `Spooks' featured in the television drama. They stress that recruits would be bound by its guidelines, which involve a commitment to legality, integrity, objectivity, a sense of proportion about its work and respect and consideration for colleagues.

The posters, which clearly name MI5, feature enigmatic images and pose a question. One shows a car in a car park and asks: `Parked?' Another shows a public telephone box under a street light and asks: `Gossip?'

Both posters then go on to say: "Our work throws up all kinds of questions. It's our job to investigate them. Make it your career. To find out more about joining us in the Greater Manchester area as a security guard, electronic technician, mechanic or mobile surveillance officer, visit our website." The campaign will soon be stepped up, with ads in newspapers and on radio stations.

Awareness

A recruitment manager from the security service said: "This campaign is aimed at raising awareness about career opportunities as part of our regional expansion. Adverts have been placed to target people with the skills, experience and personal qualities we are looking for.

"To find out more about working for MI5, look at our website: www.mi5careers.gov.uk."

This contains information about specific jobs available. It says: "For many roles, we are not looking for any particular background. We recruit people based on the skills, competencies and personal qualities needed.

"You will need to provide evidence of them, rather than specific qualifications or experience.

"There are, however, some common personal qualities we look for. An important part of our organisational culture is teamwork. All staff make important contributions to protecting the country.

"We also expect you to meet the highest standards of personal integrity and honesty. That is why you find people here from all backgrounds and walks of life."

The website describes how successful applicants will be subjected to a rigorous vetting process. This involves completing detailed questionnaires, discussing these with a vetting officer and nominating referees for interview, financial checks and medical assessments.

MI5, whose correct title is The Security Service, was set up in 1909. It is responsible for protecting the country against covertly-organised threats to national security.

These include terrorism, espionage and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

It also provides security advice to other organisations, helping them reduce their vulnerability to the threats.