THREE Redditch soldiers who completed a two-year tour of duty in Northern Ireland are now back to work after spending their well-earned leave with friends and family over the festive period.

Ptes Keith Rock and Tim Sutton and L/cpl Craig Jones, serving with the 550-strong 1st Battalion, The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters, were based in Omagh, County Tyrone, throughout their tour.

The troops have now relocated to Chester, their base for the next two years, and will take up a new 'desert warfare' role, beginning intensive training before deploying on exercise to Kenya and Botswana.

Former Arrow Vale Community High School pupil Pte Sutton, 28, is married with three children.

He joined the Army five years ago as an infantry soldier and has served in Bosnia, Canada and India.

L/cpl Jones, 20, an infantry soldier for the last four years, said the tour was a great experience during which he earned a promotion.