TERRITORIAL Army soldier Jonathan Lynn, from Bearpark, Durham, has taken time out from his normal job to spend a six-month tour attached to the Queen's Own Hussars, in Kosovo.

Private Lynn, who is a fully qualified bike technician, joined the Tyne Tees Regiment in 1999, said: "I joined the TA to do something completely different.

"I get on well with my professional colleagues and they make me feel part of the team."

A former pupil of Deerness Valley Comprehensive and New College Durham, Pte Lynn has also seen service in Romania.

He is due to return home in July.