SOLDIERS from East Lancashire are bringing a little cheer back into devastated young lives.

Men and women from the 1st Battalion, The Queen's Lancashire Regiment have been busy refurbishing a ruined kindergarten in Sipovo, Bosnia.

Corporal Mark Cooper, 34, from Burnley is one of a team who is helping brighten up the ransacked play area. He has been covering the filthy walls with images of teddy bears, animals and clowns as part of the redecoration.

With a four-year-old son of his own Corporal Cooper has been touched by the plight of the Bosnian children.

"It breaks up the monotony of patrolling and the children love to watch us."

Colour Sergeant Ian Edgar, of Walton-le-Dale has been masterminding the project.

"Initially the kindergarten was going to be used by the Salvation Army as a soup kitchen but we wanted to do something special for the kids.

"We had a collection among the regiment and when we've finished off the decorating we'll get some toys and see what else we can do."

The Lancashire troops involvement in the peace implementation process in Bosnia began last month when they took over from the First Fusiliers.

The 570 members of the battalion are deployed in several location in Bosnia and have been responsible for maintaining security in areas to be transferred between the warring factions.

Anyone who wants to contribute to the fund to help restore the kindergarten should contact James Hodgson at Kimberley barracks, Preston on 01772 716543 ext 2438.

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