SOLDIERS from East Lancashire are among those helping to maintain a fragile peace in Bosnia - and helping the local people rebuild their shattered communities and lives.

The country has been devastated by a war that saw thousands of refugees flee their homes for safety in Germany and beyond. More than 10 million mines were laid in Bosnia-Herzegovina during the conflict, which continue to pose a threat to local communities and visiting troops.

Corporal Richard Halstead and Craftsman Dan Turner, from Blackburn, are just two of the local lads currently in Bosnia with 5 Field Ambulance, a division of the Royal Army Medical Corps, based at Fulwood Barracks.

Richard, 33, a member of Support Squadron, is a Company Quarter Master Sergeant and is on his second tour with 5 Field Ambulance.

Bosnia brings with it special requirements for equipment, such as holding permanent ammunition, flak jackets and vials of morphine in the event of another conflict.

Richard said: "I'm accountable for every bit of kit in these stores and it's worth about £23 million altogether, so, as you can imagine, no insurance company wants to touch me!"

Karen Gradwell, Richard's fiance, said: "I miss him so much and just want him back in one piece. You've got to accept the job they do."

Dan Turner, 22, a recovery mechanic in 3 Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, is on his first tour of Bosnia. A keen Blackburn Rovers fan, he said: "The work is good, but I will be glad to get home."

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