WHEN the soldiers in B Company told their family and friends they were heading to Kenya most were made to feel it was one long holiday.

But life could not be any different for the Woofers, who have battled through extreme living conditions including heat, altitude and even floods.

"I've never witnessed rain that bad until last night," said 22 year-old Lance Corporal Steven Beddoe, who lives in Kidderminster.

"I've never seen it flood as quickly as it did. I've never seen anything like the thunder and lightening before. It's good training, I've learnt lots of new stuff."

Private Steve Owen, 23, from Sidemoor, Bromsgrove, said the exercise had been harder than being in Northern Ireland.

"It's a different type of work - more marching and more weight," he added.

"We were carrying at least 65lb but it felt like more. It's been interesting but hard work and a good experience. This is what we joined for.

"After being in Northern Ireland we're getting back to field conflict.

Up until we got to here I was coping but it's been horrible here. It's too hot.

"I was surprised at how quickly it flooded when it did rain. One minute it was a path the next it was a river."

"Most people were jealous when they heard we were coming to Africa, most people have to pay but it's been hard work."

"It was my first trip to Africa. It's not what I expected but I'd come back.