A TEACHER serving in Iraq with the Territorial Army has returned to his school while on leave.

Lieutenant Paul McConnell, 33, from Tudhoe, is working near Basra, southern Iraq, with Cassino Company, the 4th Battalion Parachute Regiment.

He left Dene Community School of Technology, in Peterlee, in October to serve in Iraq, leaving his wife, Roslyn, and daughters, Ellis, seven, and Chloe, five. He said: "I told the kids and some were excited and some were wary. I do miss the job."

He visited the school during his two-week leave to say hello to pupils and staff.

Lt McConnell has been a PE teacher at the school for a year.

Pupils and teachers have been sending him letters and e-mails while in Iraq.