SOLDIERS from our area who will be missing families and friends this Christmas while serving away from home have sent special messages to their loved ones.

Among those who will be away from home are members of the 1st Battalion, The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire, dubbed The Yorkies, who have just started a two-year operational tour of duty in Northern Ireland.

The troops, many of whom are accompanied by their wives and children, are based in Omagh, County Tyrone, tasked with supporting the police.

During their posting, the troops will rotate through a broad range of duties, which will include urban and rural patrolling, guard duties and being on stand-by as part of a quick reaction force.

Despite being separated from their loved ones, morale among the soldiers will be kept high with a variety of events over the Christmas season, and every soldier on duty in Northern Ireland will enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner with all the trimmings.

Former Huntington School pupil Corporal Barry Scanlon, 27, from York, will be in Omagh for Christmas. He has been in the regiment for ten years and has served in Germany, Bosnia, Gibraltar, Cyprus, Belize and Canada.

He said: "I want to wish happy Christmas to my family and friends, and best wishes for 2002. See you soon."

Private Simon Maxwell, 22, from East Cottingwith, has been a soldier for the past two years.

The former Barlby High School pupil said: "Season's greetings to everyone back home. Take care."

Private Darren Smith, 27, from York, went to Oaklands School and opted for a career in the Army two years ago. He has served in Kenya, Norway, Belgium, Holland, Sierra Leone and Canada and this is his second tour of Northern Ireland.

He said: "I wish all my family and friends a great Christmas. I am thinking of you all."

Acomb-born Private Darren Robinson, 19, went to Lowfield School before joining the infantry regiment. His wife Julie is based in Omagh with him.

His message is: "To my family and friends, have a fantastic Christmas celebration."

Private Mark Jamieson is another Yorkie serving with the "Stallion" battalion.

The former Millthorpe School pupil said: "We arrived in Northern Ireland a few weeks ago and are still getting used to our new roles and responsibilities. Best wishes to my family and friends back home for the festive season."

Also with the regiment is Lance Corporal Mike Kilgar, 24, from Selby, who has his wife and one-year-old daughter, Shona, with him in Omagh.

He said: "I would like to wish my family and friends a very merry Christmas and best wishes for the New Year. Hope to see you all soon."

Another Selby soldier who will be in Northern Ireland for Christmas is Air Trooper Mark Tank, a 21-year-old groundcrewman serving with 5 Regiment Army Air Corps.

He said: "I have been based in Northern Ireland for the past 15 months and I am really enjoying it. The work is hectic, but it's a real challenge and great being busy."

His message is: "Sorry I'm not home for Christmas. Hope you have a good one and I'll see you soon. Lots of love to Mum, Dad, Donna and Carolyne. PS Give the dogs a pat from me."

* If you have loved ones serving away from home with the Armed Forces this Christmas, why not let people know you're thinking of them by having your message published free in the Evening Press and on this website.

Messages can be posted to Missing You At Christmas, c/o Tony Tierney, PO Box 29, 76/86 Walmgate, York, YO1 9YN, or phoned in on 01904 653051 extension 306, or emailed using the above link or dropped in at the front counter of our Walmgate offices.

Updated: 11:28 Friday, December 21, 2001