TERRITORIAL Army reservists have returned from Iraq in time to spend Christmas with loved ones.

Sergeant Sean Shanahan, of Clarendon Road, Trowbridge, and Lance Corporal Nathan Timbrell, of Hilperton, were among 12 reservists from Bath-based 21 Signal Regiment demobilised from operations with coalition forces.

L/Cpl Timbrell, an account manager for Coca-Cola, was called up to join 209 Signal Squadron in June, part of 19 Mechanised Brigade, based at Basra Palace.

He said: "The situation in Basra was pretty chaotic when we first got there and at times we got mortared and shot at. But by the time we left it was calmer, more organised and there were fewer attacks."

The 26-year-old was also recruited for Operation Rainbow, which involved crowd control and catching looters around Basra Port.

Sgt Shanahan was one of four reservists providing air support. They spent most of their time in Iraq, Kuwait, Oman and Quatar directing fast jets, helicopters and other assault aircraft.

He said: "In four months we covered around 10,000 miles. We spent a lot of time with the American soldiers and the camaraderie was superb.

"We had to be careful as the hostility was still there. In some parts of Iraq the hostility has taken on the form of guerrilla warfare.

"Most of the locals were pleased to see us and happy with what we were doing."

While most of us are enjoying a traditional Christmas there are still thousands of British soldiers keeping the peace in Iraq.

Many are serving as part of the Multi-National Division (South East), which is covering the southern provinces of Maysan, Dhi Qar and Al Muthanna.

Soldiers' duties include fighting crime, clearing unexploded bombs and improving power and water supplies to war-torn areas of the country.

Army spokesman Roger Tutt said: "With so much to do it is unlikely British forces in Iraq will have much time to mark Christmas in any way. But this does not mean they will not be thinking of their loved ones back home over the festive period."

Through the pages of the Wiltshire Times, Carl Young, 22, wanted to send a message to his girlfriend, Charlotte Read.

The message reads: "Hi Babe. Missing you more every day we are apart. See you soon. All my love, Carl."