PRESTON soldiers are putting their weight behind NATO's plan to re-build war torn Kosovo.

Four soldiers from the town have been drafted to the eastern European country to help bring about peace and normality among the population.

Staff sergeant Gary Vincent, from Lea and signaller, Emma Watson, from Lostock Hall, are part of the British contribution to the Nato-led Kosovo Peace Implementation Force (KFOR).

They are accompanied by Corporal Simon Coombes (pictured) and signaller, Rachael Kenyon, both from Ashton, and will be serving in the country for up to six months. Gary, 30, who was educated at William Temple High School, in St Vincents Road, joined the armed force five years ago. He is now a member of the Adjutant General's Corps and is chief clerk for the Brigade Headquarters and Signal Squadron based in the Kosovan capital of Pristina.

Gary is married to Kirsty and has two children, Emma, six, and three-year-old Graham.

Simon, 29, is a driving specialist in the Royal Engineers, supporting the KFOR from Macedonia. He is one of only two people in the UK who holds every category of driving licence.

Former Brownedge St Mary's High School pupil Emma Watson worked as a supervisor at the Kentucky Fried Chicken food chain before joining the army in 1998.

Emma, whose mum, Lynda, lives in Lostock Hall, is serving with 14 Signal Regiment as a telecommunications radio operator based in the remote hillside area - 102 metres above sea level.

Nineteen-year-old Rachael Kenyon is a telegraph operator in Pristina and works a daily 12-hour shift to maintain communications with colleagues in the UK.

The former Our Ladies High School pupil used to work as a butcher in Morrisons before signing up for the force three years ago.

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