THE army used civilians to load depleted uranium shells into a supergun during weapons tests, the Sunday Mail can reveal.

Last night workers spoke of their health fears over the ammunition, which has been linked to cancer and other diseases.

Michael Briggs, a civilian who worked at the Ministry of Defence firing range at Kirkcudbright for 17 years, said handling and loading depleted uranium (DU) shells was a normal part of his duties.

The 34-year-old, who is now a lorry driver, said he was deeply concerned that civilians who worked at the Dundrennan firing range seem to have been overlooked in testing for any long-term effects of exposure to the material.

He said: "I just hope that somebody will now take up the case for people like myself. People's health is the most important matter here, and I just hope our fears are unfounded." Michael said he was monitored for background radiation during his spell at the range, but was never given any in-depth examination for DU exposure.

Civilians involved in the tests have also blasted the MoD for claiming it cannot find thousands of tonnes of DU shells around the Solway Firth range.

The armour-piercing shells are at the centre of a health row after claims they were responsible for the deaths of six Italian soldiers who served in the Balkans.

The Royal Navy have been forced to withdraw depleted uranium shells because the Americans who supply them have banned them from their own warships.

But new tests of the shells are scheduled to take place at the Dundrennan MoD range, near Kirkcudbright, from next month.

London-based Dr John Large, who advises governments around the world on health risks associated with nuclear issues, said the shells release radio-active particles on impact. He added: "These particles are either wind-borne or fall into the sea.

"I am concerned about them being blown from the targets to nearby populations."

Michael Briggs worked for contractors Serco who operate the testing at Dundrennan for the MoD. At least 30 other civilians are also thought to have worked there full time.

A spokesman for the multi-national firm said he could not comment on any aspect of their activities at Dundrennan, and referred our investigators to the MoD's Defence Evaluation and Research Agency.

A spokesman for DERA said: "It's standard practice to give people working with DU briefings on possible hazards and if they don't want to do it, there's no problem."

He confirmed that a new programme of test firings start next month at Kirkcudbright, when 60 firings will take place.

Local MP and MSP Alasdair Morgan said said he was shocked to hear civilians were involved, so closely in the handling of DU shells.

He said: "In the light of the revelations of the last week or so I believe that they should be scrapping these tests altogether.

"At the very least there should be a suspension of these tests until we have more accurate information on their effects on those carrying them out and the local population."