Ian and Debbie Robinson are looking forward to Christmas dinner with each other in IraqIan and Debbie Robinson did not think they would be spending Christmas together. But the couple from Stratton, who are serving with the RAF in Iraq, will see each other tomorrow.

IRAQ might not be the most popular festive holiday destination. But, for one Swindon couple, it will form the backdrop to a romantic Christmas they will never forget.

Sergeant Ian and Corporal Debbie Robinson are both serving with the RAF in Iraq, helping the international effort to get the country back on its feet.

The couple, from Stratton, had feared that they would be apart for Christmas Day.

But a change of plan by their senior officers means they will be tucking into Christmas dinner together after all.

Personnel administrator Debbie, 37, was originally due to be posted to Basra, while Ian, 36, a flight co-ordinator, was sent to the southern port city of Umm Qasr.

Although the couple would have only been 40 miles apart, they would have been unable to see each other at Christmas because of the security risk of travelling.

The couple were delighted when they were told that Debbie was also being sent to Umm Qasr.

Debbie, who is based at RAF Lyneham, said: "We'll obviously be missing friends and family and everything else associated with Christmas.

"But we'll be eating a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings served up by our officers."

Ian, who is based at RAF Andover, added: "The mess facilities here at Umm Qasr are the best in Iraq. In fact, everybody here is really looking forward to it."

By an extra stroke of good fortune, two friends from RAF Lyneham Sergeant Florence Norman, 38, and Corporal Tracey Bond, 29 will also be joining them.

Ian and Debbie are providing logistical support to the British troops helping to re-build the port at Umm Qasr which is vital to get aid into the country.

The couple, who married in 1999, have served together before. They met while they were both stationed at Ascension Island, in the Atlantic Ocean.

Their commitment to the RAF has meant they have been apart at Christmas before.

In fact, they were unable to be together for their first Christmas as a married couple.

Six months after tying the knot, Ian was sent to Kuwait, while Debbie was deployed to Italy.

The couple asked the Advertiser to pass on the following message to loved ones in Swindon. They said: "Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, miss and love you loads. Can't wait to get home and get our Christmas presents. Take care, lots of love, Ian and Debbie.''

Wroughton-based engineering giant Halcrow has 30 staff inspecting and maintaining bridges and roads in Iraq over the Christmas period.