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

Although the troops will eat turkey, sing carols and open cards and parcels from 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 local people to get water treatment plants back up and running. In two weeks, there should be fresh water in Umm Qasr, in the south east.

And 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," said Cpt Gracie.

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

Sapper Chris Finn, 23, from Berwick Hills, in Middlesbrough, is spending Christmas supporting the police service in Northern Ireland.

His message to his family on Teesside is: "Big shout out to my mum, dad, brothers and sisters. Miss you all. We'll all get plenty of leave soon and I can assure you I'll make up for it. Love you and see you soon."

Bombardier Michael Briggs, 20, from Hartlepool, is in Iraq with the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery.

"To Dawn Williams and Michelle McIntyre in Hartlepool. Have a good Christmas. Missing you and love you loads."

Lance Bombardier Nicola Palmer, 22, from Hartlepool, is in Iraq with the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery. "To mam and family in Hartlepool, hope you have a great Christmas. Love and miss you and can't wait to see you all again. Save me some beer. Lots of love, Nicola."

Staff Sergeant Neil Armal, 35, from Hartlepool, is in Iraq as a vehicle mechanic with the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers.

"Wishing all the family in Hartlepool and my girlfriend, Kate Reeves, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. See you all in February next year. Love Neil."

Private Richard Gray, 18, from Billingham, is a rifleman with the East and West Riding Regiment in Iraq.

"Hi to all my family and friends and especially my girlfriend Kate. I am having a mint time over here. It is nice and hot during the day so I am getting a tan. Anyway, have a good Christmas and I'll see you all soon."

Private Stephen Coles, 21, from Middlesbrough, is a rifleman with the East and West Riding Regiment in Iraq.

"Hello to all my family and friends back home in Middlesbrough and Stockton. Missing you all and hope you have a good Christmas and New Year. See you all soon."

Private Alan Davies, 18, from Billingham, is a rifleman with the East and West Riding Regiment in Iraq.

"Have a good Christmas and a Happy New Year. Missing you all. See you soon. Merry Christmas and a happy birthday for the 16th December for my Nana."

Gunner Jonathan Strathern, 18, from Lazeby, Middlesbrough, is with the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery in Iraq.

"Merry Christmas mam, dad, Joe, Jamie, gran, grandad and the family. Missing you all and will miss my Christmas dinner at home. Hope you all have a great day, Jonny."

Gunner Lia Wase, 19, from Stockton, is a signaller with the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery in Iraq.

"To my family - Merry Christmas to you all. Take care and I will see you soon. Love you and miss you. Love Lia."

Gunner Nicky Garbutt, 19, from Middlesbrough, is in Force Protection with the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery in Iraq.

"To my father John Garbutt and the family in Guisborough. Hi dad and everyone, can't wait to come home in January. Have a nice Christmas and New Year."

Sergeant Paddy Walsh, 37, from Eston, Middlesbrough, is an assistant intelligence officer with the 1st Battalion Green Howards Regiment attached to 1st Battalion Duke of Wellington's Regiment.

"To my mother, brothers and sisters and the whole family in Eston - Have a great festive season and I will see you next year. Merry Christmas to you all."

Private Paul Chapman, 31, from Thorntree, Middlesbrough, is in Force Protection with the 1st Battalion Duke of Wellington's Regiment in Iraq.

"Merry Christmas to my mother, father, brother, sister and family. Merry Christmas and have a great New Year. Love from Paul in Iraq."

Lance Bombardier Karl Chalmers, 21, from Stockton, is with the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery in Iraq.

"To everyone at home - have a good Christmas and an excellent New Year. See you soon, Love Karl. To Catherine Nichols my girlfriend in Billingham - hope you have a wonderful Christmas and an excellent New Year. Don't drink too much and I'll see you soon. Love, your Karl forever."

Gunner Ryan Walker, 21, who is serving in Kosovo, has a special message for his mam, dad, sister Kelly, and her children Lewis and Reece from Billingham.

"Missing you all loads, have a nice Christmas and New Year and see you soon, Ryan."