THIS Christmas will be the first spent away from barracks for a few years by many of the Worcestershire & Sherwood Foresters (Woofers).

The two-year tour of duty in Omagh, Northern Ireland, meant duties had to be carried out as normal.

And even if they were not on duty, getting back to England for Christmas before returning for New Year duties was too much of a hassle for some.

But this year, L/Cpl Ian Callow, L/Cpl Chris Cooke and Pte David Wibberley will be visiting family and friends during the festive season.

The battalion has been given leave until Monday, January 7. It is the first time the whole regiment has been able to stand down completely.

"My family in Worcester are happy that I'll be able to see them," said L/Cpl Callow.

"Although I was off last Christmas I stayed in Omagh with my wife, Lisa, and son Liam, who's nearly three now.

"I've had Christmas in Bosnia as well so it will be good to be able to relax and have a nice family Christmas.

The 25-year-old L/Cpl is pleased to have relocated to Chester.

"Living in Omagh is a lot different from England," he said.

"It's not a nice place. Lisa stayed for a year but came back to England. She's glad we're based at Chester and so am I."

L/Cpl Callow is not the only soldier pleased to leave Northern Ireland.

L/Cpl Cooke says moving to Chester has inspired him to stay in the Army.

Quality

"The move has changed my mind," said the 20-year-old from Bromsgrove. "You've got a better quality of life.

"I'm going home for the first Christmas in two years."

One of his Christmases was spent on guard duty in a sangar - a tall watchtower.

"I can't wait to get home," he said. "Now we're here I've been able to go back at weekends.

"I can't emphasise how good it is."

For Lower Wick teenager David Wibberley, it will be his first Christmas away from the Army in four years.

The 19-year-old signed up when he was 15 and has served in Bosnia as well as Northern Ireland.

"Last year I was in the ops room in Omagh.

"It's good to finally get home and my parents are pleased."

Pte Wibberley will also be able to see his 24-year-old girlfriend who he met seven months ago when on leave.

"She hates me being away all the time," he said. "Now I'm in Chester it will be a lot easier."