SOLDIERS who served in Iraq last summer have a new commanding officer.

Troops from 19 Mechanised Brigade, who controlled Basra and the southern deserts immediately after the war last year, have welcomed Brigadier Chip Chapman, who takes over from Brigadier Bill Moore.

Units which make up the brigade include the regiments at Catterick Garrison, as well as Alanbrooke Barracks, near Topcliffe, and Claro Barracks in Ripon, North Yorkshire.

Brig Chapman, a veteran of the airborne forces during the Falklands War, assumes command from a counter-terrorist role with the Ministry of Defence.

"I am very proud to be commanding such professional men and women who have recently been so successful on operations in the Gulf" he said.

"I know the thirst to succeed anywhere the brigade and its units go remains high. The next two years will be full of challenges as we adapt to the changing security environment we live in."

Recent change at Catterick Garrison includes the arrival of The Prince Of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire, which has replaced the King's Own Scottish Borderers at Somme Barracks.

The Queen's Lancashire Regiment is also preparing to leave Alma Barracks for Cyprus, making way for the 1st Battalion of the Devon and Dorset Regiment.

Catterick-based troops are expected to return to Iraq later this year, including Challenger tanks from the Queen's Royal Lancers based at Cambrai Barracks and a party from 8 Transport Regiment, based at Marne Barracks.