A Yeovil soldier is playing a vital role in Iraq by ensuring that food and fuel supplies reach British troops.

Private Hannah bates of 9 Supply Regiment, The Royal Logistics Corps, is serving as a driver/radio operator from Az Zubayr Port in southern Iraq.

In addition to delivering supplies to military units, the regiment has also been helping to distribute life-saving humanitarian aid.

The 19-year-old ex-Preston School pupil described one incident by saying: "At one point we were attacked by camels. There were lots of them in the road and they surrounded us.

"When we drove forward, four of them followed us - we were making faces at them through the window."