ONE of the families which will have to stay on camp is that of Private Neil Thompson who is there with his wife Rosalyn and his step-daughter Lauren who is four years old.

Neil, who comes from Liden, said: "I can't go home this year because I am on duty all over Christmas and on four hours' notice to move to anywhere in the province if we are asked to give assistance.

"It's part of Army life and I can't really complain because it will be the first Christmas I have had to work since joining up five years ago."

Neil, 23, is serving with the Royal Gloucestershire, Berk-shire and Wiltshire Regiment and is a specialist in anti-tank weapons.

He married Rosalyn, 22, who comes from Walcot, 14 months ago and the couple are looking forward to the birth of their first child in July.

Neil wants a boy so he can play Scalextric with him, but Rosalyn says she doesn't mind what sex the new baby is as long as everything is all right.

The couple are planning to have a traditional Christmas turkey dinner. But when I called in to see them during my recent visit to the RGBW they were still debating on who exactly would be doing the cooking.

Also making a flying visit to deliver presents for Lauren was Rosalyn's mum and dad, Susan and Keith Harrington from Walcot.

Rosalyn said: "It would have been nice to get back to Swindon for Christmas to see the family.

"But as long as Neil is home we will still have a good time and Lauren is starting to get really excited.

"Although it is very different out here Lauren is very happy. She enjoys going on the beach when the weather is good and spending time in the play park. She also attends a local civilian school and thinks its great.

"There are a lot of Army children there and they all get on well with the local children who are in the same classrooms."

Neil is a former pupil of Dorcan School and his wife used to go Oakfield School, which was closed two years ago.

This is Neil's second tour of duty in Northern Ireland and during his time in the army he has visited many places including Canada, South Africa and Botswana.

Rosalyn is very impressed with their house on the base and Neil said the family was happy with life in Northern Ireland.