ALSAGER soldier Gareth Gardner has been overwhelmed by the reception he received crossing the border into Kosovo.

Despite the difficult task he faces in keeping the peace, Gunner Gareth, from Alsager, knows his work is appreciated by local people, especially the children.

As one of the first gun crews to cross the border he was overwhelmed by the greeting as vehicles and soldiers were bombarded with flowers.

Gareth, aged 18, is serving with the Four Regiment Royal Artillery, part of the British contingent to NATO's Kosovo Peacekeeping force, KFOR.

"When you see what has happened here it's good that we can do something to help, it makes it all worthwhile, and the locals are certainly glad we are here," said Gareth.

"I miss my family and friends but I am lucky to have them to go back to, so many people here have no-one, it's very sad.

"The children seem to be bouncing back, they are always hanging around and we give them the sweets from our ration packs.

"We do a lot of patrolling, on foot and with the guns, it helps reassure the people and we get to talk to them."

Gareth attended Alsager School and worked as a baker before joining the army in 1996 and his brother Lee is also serving in the Royal Artillery. Their parents Howard and Sally live in the area.

The unit is due home in September after completing the tour of duty with KFOR and the soldiers will enjoy some well-earned leave.

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