An Oxenhope soldier is helping to maintain security on Iraq's border with Iran.

Lance Bombardier David Eskriett is serving with 40 Regiment Royal Artillery, part of the King's Own Scottish Borderers Battlegroup.

He is seen close to a fortification being used by the gunners as a guard post.

David, 23, said conditions in the region were gruelling.

With temperatures soaring above 50C, he and colleagues take every opportunity to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

He said: "The temperature can be almost unbearable at times, but we're cracking on with the important job of patrolling the border.

"Yes it has been hard -- especially the very hot temperatures and the dust, which people back in the UK will find hard to imagine -- but we are getting on with it.

"In addition to looking out for smugglers, we also keep an eye on the Iranian guards on the other side of the border."

David -- a former pupil of Bingley Grammar School -- joined the army in 1997 and is normally based at Allanbrooke Barracks, in North Yorkshire.

He is married with two children, Johnathon, two, and one-year-old Katie. His parents John and Barbara live in Oxenhope.