MANY would presume Bedale-born soldier Sergeant David Barksby and wife, Susan, have an ideal posting.

The couple are living in South East Asia at a garrison not far from beautiful beaches overlooking the Pacific Ocean, but life in Brunei is not always as idyllic as it may sound.

Grey skies across the North-East may seem a distant memory, but Mr and Mrs Barksby have had to adapt to jungle heat and humidity. Sand flies can make a trip to the beach intolerable, while Muslim culture in the region forbids alcohol.

"There's very little to do here and there are some drawbacks for the wives because there are so few jobs," said Sgt Barksby. "You have to get out and get involved, it's great for travelling but we work long hours.''

Sgt Barksby is an aircraft technician with 7 Flight of the Army Air Corps, which supports the Royal Gurkha Rifles. The unit mans Brunei Garrison at the request of the Sultan of Brunei.

The unit was invited to stay following its role in the quashing of the rebel uprising in 1962, with the Sultan contributing to the cost of maintaining a British Army presence in the region.