Lisa's back from key work in Iraq (From Barry And District News)

Lisa's back from key work in Iraq

A BARRY soldier is home safe and sound, after spending the last six months helping to rebuild war-torn Iraq.

Reservist Lisa Wride, of Porthkerry Road, Barry, has been serving in Basra with the Royal Monmouthshire Royal Engineers (RMREs).

Lisa, 32, told the News: "Serving in Iraq has been such a positive experience and I feel very privileged to have had a hand in rebuilding the country. We have been helping to rebuild an area that has been completely devastated by war. Basra was left in a terrible state after the attacks. The water supply was knocked out and bridges and roads were destroyed. It has been our job to get the city back on its feet again."

She added: "The Iraqi people have been extremely friendly towards us. Obviously, there are still dangers but you can tell by the look on the faces of ordinary people that they are glad we're here."

Lisa, who is a sapper, joined the RMREs, a militia regiment, four years ago.

The former Welsh international hockey player has had a physically demanding role in Iraq, helping to rebuild bridges and install water purification systems.

In civilian life, Lisa is an insurance officer.

The facilities available to the troops in Basra have helped Lisa to ward off any feelings of homesickness.

She said: "Our welfare has been very well looked after. We have access to a fully-equipped gym, the internet, satellite television and DVD. I have to say the food is also very good. I thought I'd have lost three stones by now, but I haven't even dropped half a stone."

The motto of RMREs is Ich Dien - I serve. The regiment was founded in 1539.