A Shropshire soldier, who is the youngest person in his regiment, is preparing to head out to serve in Iraq next week and spend the first Christmas away from his family.

Gunner Ian Beech, who turned 18 last month, has just completed a rigorous training regime in Germany and is now preparing for his first deployment to a war zone.

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The teenager, of Monkmoor, Shrewsbury, said he was nervous about going to Basra on November 21 but also looking forward to it.

Gunner Beech, who is in 16 Battery in 26 Regiment of the Royal Artillery, is following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather who both served in the military.

He said: “It’s my first tour and I’ve been in Germany since August just preparing for Iraq really.

“I am a gunner and my job will be defending the cob and peacekeeping in and around the streets. I am nervous but I’m looking forward to it at the same time – it’s what I joined the Army to do.

“It will be my first Christmas away from home, I’ve not had any early presents yet but I’m sure they will sort something out before I go.”

The former Belvidere School pupil, who left last year, said his father Michael, a 46-year-old postman who left the Royal Artillery as a bombardier, and his mum Catherine had thrown a leaving party for him at the weekend.

He said: “I had a party on Saturday to get everyone together to see me off but also at the same time wishing me good luck.”