A TEENAGE soldier is helping to keep the British Forces on track in war-torn Kosovo.

Private Sara Bradbury is playing a vital role in organising the movement of troops and equipment by rail throughout the Balkans.

The 19-year-old is currently stationed near Pristina - a hot spot during this year's fighting - serving as a port operator with 79 Railway Squadron, part of 17 Port and Maritime Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps.

Sara said: "When we got to Kosovo I was surprised by the number of cars and houses that had been burnt.

"The local people are very friendly, always waving to us, especially the children, who are really friendly and still wave and chant 'NATO' as we pass by. It makes the job worthwhile.

"I write to my parents and both sets of grandparents as often as I can. I get loads of mail. We work seven days a week, and up to 18 hours per day, so sometimes I don't get much time.

"My parents were initially concerned when I said I was going to Kosovo but now they are really proud of what we are doing."

The transport unit Sara is a member of normally operates from its base in Hampshire or works in Germany.

It means the former Harper Green School pupil is involved in the first operational deployment of military locomotives overseas outside Germany since the Second World War.

Missing

She is there as part of Great Britain's contribution to the NATO-led Kosovo Peace Implementation Force.

But she admits she is also missing some of the creature comforts she enjoys at home with her parents Ian and Elaine in Farnworth. She said: "I'm missing my family and friends, and a good deep bath and a visit to the hairdressers.

"My friends thought that I was mad at first when I joined up, now I'm doing better than them and have made lots of new friends.

"I joined the Army to see the world and for a challenge. I've always wanted to be a part of the Army since I was 10 years old."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.