A MOTHER and son who both saw active service in Iraq have been reunited in time for Christmas.

Wayne Blackburn, 18, who was with the Royal Signals, and his mother, Patricia Blackburn, who served with the Paras, are believed to have been the only mother and son who saw active service in Iraq.

Over the past ten months, the County Durham pair have only managed quick phone calls and brief meetings as their units passed each other.

But now, with Wayne's tour of duty over, they have been re-united at the family home in Peterlee, along with father and husband, Michael.

Patricia, 42, was first to be posted to Iraq. A lance corporal in a specialist TA unit, she got the call to fly out in February, and was attached to the 13th Air Assault Regiment.

She was responsible for ensuring supplies of food, water and fuel reached troops as they advanced on Baghdad and then establishing an Army base at al Amarah.

Two weeks after she went out, Wayne followed with the Royal Signals.

He joined the Army two years ago and helped troops seize and secure Basra airport.

He said: "Serving in Iraq was a life-changing experience. It is something I will never forget, but it is great to get back home and see mam and dad again, especially with Christmas coming.''

According to Patricia, the biggest concern she had in Iraq was wondering how Wayne was.

She said: "During the fighting we had a lengthy communication blackout but, after that, I managed to get the odd radio chat with him. We both work with communications, so that helped."

For Patricia, who has twice beaten cancer, life in the desert was a world away from her life as a mother, wife and part-time barmaid at the local cricket club.

She joined the Territorial Army at the age of 30 after looking for a challenge.

An Army spokesman said: "The Blackburns are believed to be the only mother and son to have seen active service with the Army in Iraq.

"They illustrate the range of experience and skills within the Army."