GUNNER Andrew Eccles has spoken about the difficult task of helping to restore peace in war-torn Kosovo.

Andrew, 27, of Darwen - known as 'Cakey' to his friends - is serving with the Fourth Regiment Royal Artillery who are part of the British contingent to KFOR, Nato's Kosovo Peacekeeping.

He is among the first gun crews to cross the border, and has been overwhelmed by the reception they have received, with vehicles and soldiers being bombarded with flowers.

Andrew was a pupil at Darwen Vale High School, and worked as a milkman for Dawson's Farm before joining up in 1996. His father Clive also lives in Darwen.

Andrew said: "When you see what has happened here it's good that we can do something to help.

"It makes it all worthwhile, and you can see the difference we are making to people's lives.

"The locals are certainly glad we are here."

"I miss my family and friends, but I am lucky to have them to go back to, as so many people here have no one.

"The children seem to be bouncing back though. They are always hanging round the crew, and we give them the sweets from our ration packs."

The Fourth Regiment Royal Artillery is equipped with a giant AS 90 self propelled gun, that can fire a 155mm round up to 25 miles. A crew of five operates the gun.

The unit will be back home in September on leave after completing their tour of duty with KFOR.

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