RETURNING to Bosnia after nearly three years, Preston soldier Simon Coombes had his work cut out.

The 26-year-old is a member of 65 Field Park Squadron, Royal Engineers, and went back as part of the 5,000-strong British contingent of the NATO-led Stabilisation Force (SFOR). As a Sapper (engineer), he will help re-build the country, repairing bridges and buildings and constructing vital sites such as helicopter landing pads. He is in charge of the Scammell Section, which is nicknamed 'the workhorse of the squadron' and includes heavy plant machinery that can carry 62 tonnes in weight.

"It can be quite hard work driving such a big vehicle along some of the Bosnia roads as they can be very tight and narrow," said Simon: "but it's good to have a challenge and I enjoy the job."

Simon, a former pupil of St Edmund Campion High School, Preston is based in the southern town of Tomislavgrad which acts as the gateway into the country.

His parents Michael and Maureen live in Preston.

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