DRIVING in scorching heat under the desert sun of Oman is all in a day's work for a North-East soldier taking part in a huge military exercise in the Middle East.
Christopher Elton, of the Royal Logistic Corps, is one of 22,000 British troops serving Oman as part of the army's Exercise Saif Sareea II.
The 21-year-old, from Chester-le-Street, has been providing driving support in extreme desert conditions that make sand and wind daily obstacles.
The exercise, which ends next month, is being held with Omani troops to provide an experience of a large-scale military deployment in arduous conditions.
Christopher, who joined the Army last year and is on his first operational tour, said: "The heat was hard to get used to and sand gets everywhere.
"I am now looking forward to getting home and meeting friends and family and having a good Christmas together."
The former Hermitage School pupil completes his tour of duty next month
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article