SOLDIERS from a North Yorkshire Army base, some of whom have just returned from a month's leave after fighting in Iraq, were packing their bags for the Gulf yesterday.

A 200-strong field squadron from Ripon's 38 Engineer Regiment flew out to the Middle East just before the Allied forces moved against Saddam Hussein in March and fought alongside the 7th Armoured Brigade in operations in the south of the country.

The unit was among the first in North Yorkshire allowed to return home when the fighting was over, but some sappers were putting on familiar desert camouflage dress yesterday in readiness for a return.

This time, the regiment is taking 480 soldiers and none are under any illusions about the dangers they could face.

"Any soldier who has done a tour of duty in Northern Ireland will be well prepared for today's Iraq," said Captain Al Hill yesterday.

"We have had 30 years' training in this sort of environment - although it's a lot hotter - and it's fair to describe the British Army as the best in the world when it comes to this sort of scenario."

Capt Hill continued: "We can assist the locals with planning and design, but it should be left to them to rebuild Iraq and get the country back on its feet.

"In fact, one of our main roles will be to help with the collection of weapons which, in time, will be redistributed to the Iraqi Army when it is ready to be fully restored to its peacetime role.''

Sapper Mark McCay said: "Although we have to be as friendly as we can with the locals, it will be best not to trust anyone. Suicide bombers pose a real risk and we will always have to be on our guard.''