A SOLDIER from Huddersfield is back in Iraq.
And Pte Bill Weston's return to arduous duties in Basra has been followed by emotion from his mother.
Mrs Margo Weston echoed the feelings of many Huddersfield parents when she expressed fears for her son's safety.
A number of Allied soldiers have died in Iraq since the end of the conflict. Pte Weston has been injured by stones hurled by a mob.
He serves with the Territorial Army and has already completed a seven-week tour with the Royal Artillery in Basra.
He returned to his unit yesterday after five days at home. He is expected to remain there for several months.
Pte Weston, 33, a former student at Greenhead College in Huddersfield, is a graduate geologist/geographer and currently works for the Dixon Group.
He served with the TA as a student, but then left, only to rejoin recently.
His father is Prof Bill Weston, of Huddersfield University. He and Mrs Weston live at Longley.
Mrs Weston said: "He is just one of many fine young men who are doing a difficult job in increasingly difficult conditions.
"Daily, they face being shot at and stoned. Despite this, he has a positive mood, determined to get on with the job.
"This involves urban foot patrols and patrols in vehicles, in the main and back streets and in troublespots.
"There are also vehicle checks, and a quick reaction force which is mobilised when anything `odd' happens. They had to stop people melting down electricity pylons for the metal.
"It is an anxious time. My thoughts are with all the forces out there and with the families of those soldiers who have lost their lives.
"There could be no better Christmas present than that all those serving there return safely."
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