TROOPS from Preston will fly out to Iraq next month to help with the clean up and peace keeping operations.

The First Queen's Lancashire Regiment (1QLR), based at Fulwood Barracks but currently stationed at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, is going to the war-ravaged country for about four months.

Up to 100 Territorial Army members from the Lancastrian and Cumbrian Volunteers (LCV) will be supporting them along with 34 from D company, based at Deepdale's Kimberley Barracks.

They will report for duty on May 29 and leave the Gulf at the end of June as part of the 19 Mechanised Brigade, taking over from the Desert Rats.

Among their duties in Iraq, the soldiers will be helping with the transportation of humanitarian aid, maintaining security and safety, and creating a safe environment for the Iraqi people.

An army spokesman said: "I know regiments from Liverpool and Manchester are doing the same thing and it's a marvellous way to build relations between the TA and the regular army.

"It's always been a distinct possibility that the QLR would go out at some point and they are ready to do their duty and help the Iraqis reconstruct their country."