HUNDREDS of soldiers from across the region will be spending Christmas away from home this year - many helping to rebuild war-torn Iraq.

Although the troops will eat turkey, sing carols and open cards and parcels from their relatives and friends, Christmas Day will be business as usual.

Despite harsh conditions, the military tries to bring the men and women some festive cheer.

The Northern Gunners, currently serving around Basra, Iraq, have spent the past two months helping Iraqi civilians to rebuild and re-equip schools.

Captain Paddy Gracie, operations officer for 4th Regiment Royal Artillery, known as the Northern Gunners, said: "We have a dual role of guarding our camp on the outskirts of the city and patrolling the southern region, as well as helping with the rebuilding of the area. We feel we are making a difference."

Soldiers are helping locals to get water treatment plants up and running. In two weeks, there should be fresh water in Umm Qasr, in the south-east. With elections soon to be held in the country, the Gunners are holding one of their own - for Santa Claus.

"We are planning a Christmas dinner and we hope that Santa will make an appearance.

The plan is that Santa is selected by the lads on a voting system and the winner will be the one that the lads believe is as close to Santa as possible on the day," he said.

As well as the conflict in Iraq, soldiers are serving in Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Cyprus, the Falkland Islands, Kosovo and Sierra Leone. Among those passing on festive messages are the following:

Corporal David Rodden, 36, is serving in Bosnia over Christmas. He has a message for fiancee Michelle Hillman, from Catterick Village.

"Love you loads hon, can't wait for us to be together. Happy Christmas, from Honey Bear."

Gunner James Pugh, 21, who is serving in Cyprus, has a message for his family, Jan, Terry, Mark and Rue, from Catterick Village.

"Carry on working hard, have a good Christmas and a happy new year. See you all very soon, love James (Jay)."

Captain Michael Pratt, 28, from Harrogate, is a security sector reform operations officer with the 1st Battalion King's Regiment attached to 1st Battalion Duke of Wellington's Regiment in Iraq.

"To my darling wife, Katie. Thinking of you always and wishing you a Merry Christmas. Love, Michael."

Major Tony "Dusty" Miller, 41, from York, is officer commanding the Force Protection Company in Iraq, with the East and West Riding Regiment.

"Hi Sam, Lucy and Elaine. Hope you have a cracking Christmas and don't get too lardy on the pud. Missing you all and really looking forward to our next big party. Love and snoggles, Major M."

Corporal Govinda Gurung, 31, of Fulford, near York, is an electrician with the 2nd Signal Regiment in Iraq.

"Merry Christmas to my wife Anita. Hello Koki, I am fine here. Not long to go. Hope to see you soon in January. Missing you a lot. Love from Govinda."