PRESTON soldier Private John Billington has just returned home after playing a vital role in the programme of building and reconstruction of Kosovo.

John, 24, is a member of 518 Squadron, 23 Pioneer Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps who have been in Kosovo as part of Great Britain's 7,500-strong contribution to the NATO-led Kosovo Peace Implementation Force (KFOR).

Based just outside Pristina, his unit has helped to refurbish some of the buildings that have been damaged by ethnic cleansing and sectarian fighting.

He has also helped to build a tented camp for gypsies who have been driven from their homes by ethnic Albanians Kosovars who have accused them of supporting the Serbs.

John said: "Some parts of Kosovo depressed me, the sight of all that damage to buildings and burned out cars.

"The children were always shouting 'NATO' and we tried to teach them some basic English.

"I kept in touch with home by writing the occasional letters to my parents and wife Lara.

"My parents were a little apprehensive, but it's all part of the job.

"My wife sends out boxes of chocolates and other goodies for me."

His father, also called John, lives in Ashton.

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