A SENIOR policeman has been called up to serve in Iraq -- after 14 years waiting for his first posting with the Territorial Army.

Chief Inspector Steven Gregson, officer in charge of community safety in Eastern division for two years, will fly to Iraq tomorrow.

Today the Blackburn-based officer spoke of his surprise at being called up at 47 and his feelings about the trip, which could last up to eight months.

He will use his experiences in East Lancashire to re-educate Iraqi police officers on how to work with communities instead of ruling by fear.

Mr Gregson, who lives in the Chorley area, and will leave behind his wife and two teenage sons said: "I expected to be called up during the first Gulf War 10 years ago but it didn't happen. It was a surprise when they contacted me this time as I thought at my advanced years they wouldn't bother.."

Despite the deaths of six Royal Military Policemen near Basra last month Mr Gregson says he has no fears.

He said: "I am not deluding myself that it will be easy and we will be working at a disadvantage as we will first have to get them to accept us and trust us."

Mr Gregson, a police officer for 28 years, has spent the last two dealing with community safety, minorities, crime prevention and communication issues in Blackburn, Darwen, Hyndburn and the Ribble Valley.

He joined the Territorial Army 14 years ago.

For the last two weeks Mr Gregson has undergone refresher and specialist training on living in the desert at the Army Mobilisation Centre in Lincolnshire as temperatures in Iraq are 120 degrees during the day and 82 at night. He said: "Obviously my family understands why I'm going and they are quite proud although they will obviously miss me and I will miss them.

"This is also with the blessing of Lancashire Constabulary which is proud of the work I am doing as they are indirectly contributing to the stabilising and rebuilding of Iraq."