A MALVERN man who spent last Christmas in Iraq is looking forward to a traditional family celebration this year.

Thomas Corns, of Elgar Avenue, was posted to Basra last November, where he spent Christmas as part of the B (WFR) company of the West Midlands regiment of the Territorial Army.

His parents, Irene and Thomas, decided to put their Christmas celebrations on hold until May, when he returned.

Thomas, 20, said December 25 this year would be very different.

"Last year I was in a tent and this year I'll be with my family," he said. "It feels nice. They're just really pleased I'm home safely."

Thomas plans to enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner and presents with his parents and brothers and sisters Billy, Nathan, Stacey and Peter.

Thomas, who now works part-time in Morrisons, said Iraq had been tough.

"I had my ups and downs like everybody does," he said. "I really had to knuckle down and get on with it. If you didn't focus on something, you'd lose your mind.

"When we were out there we had stones thrown at us and there were kids with guns."

Thomas said Christmas last year had been an unusual experience.

He said: "I did miss my family a lot but my mum sent me lots of Christmas decorations and presents, so it was still Christmas.

"My parents waited until the day after I got back in May and then my mum cooked me Christmas dinner and I had a few more Christmas presents."

His father said they were all looking forward to a family Christmas.

"It's totally different now," he said. We're over the moon. It'll be much more special this year. Christmas will be Christmas."