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 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 near Basra, in Iraq, have spent the last 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 back up and running.

In two weeks, there should be fresh water in Umm Qasr in the south-east of the country.

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," he said.

As well as helping with the rebuilding process in Iraq, Army soldiers are also serving in Afghanistan, Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Cyprus, the Falkland Islands, Kosovo and Sierra Leone.

Private Craig Stead, 23, from Darlington is serving in Northern Ireland.

He said: "Being away at Christmas isn't nice but it can happen when you are in the Forces.

"Being away from home at Christmas makes you realise what you have and makes the celebrations all the better when you get back.

"Merry Christmas to mum and the family. I'll be back in no time. Save some turkey."

Private Michael Longstaff, 23, a former pupil of Longfield Comprehensive in Darlington, joined the Army in February and is on his first operational tour.

He said: "I just want to say a very Merry Christmas to my mum and my little lad Connor, love you both. I'll be home soon."

Corporal Darren Lynch, 28, and Corporal Scott Buchan, 34, from Darlington, are spending Christmas in Northern Ireland where they are serving with the Royal Military Police and Kings Own Scottish Borderers. They will be supporting police in Northern Ireland.

They wish those back home a very Merry Christmas and lots of love to their families in Darlington.

Private Mark Dobson, 41, from Darlington, is in Iraq. He is with the Tyne Tees Regiment, attached to East and West Riding Regiment and works in Force Protection.

He writes: "Best wishes for Christmas and New Year to all my family and friends.

"Look forward to seeing you all in May 2005."

It is not only the Army serving overseas at Christmas.

Corporal Craig 'Morty' Morton, from Darlington, of the Royal Air Force, is also in Basra.

Cpl Morton is normally based at RAF Leeming and services and maintains ground equipment used by the flying squadrons. He also works on equipment which is vital for powering Basra Airfield and terminal.

He is serving a four month tour in Basra and won't be home until March 2005, but his parents back home in Darlington are in his thoughts, as is his fiance Nicola in Durham.

He says: "A big hello to everybody that knows me especially mum and dad, Chris and nana, sending kisses and hugs to Nic, Luv you babe."