NINE part-time soldiers from the North are helping the Army keep in touch in the former Yugoslavia.

The nine, from 34 (Northern) Signals Regiment, are among more than 40 who have volunteered to run the military communications system in the Balkans until November.

The Territorial Army soldiers, who are currently finishing their training, will be joining the 100-strong 98 (Balkans) Signal Squadron, based at Banja Luka, in Bosnia.

Captain Simon Smith, of Hartlepool, said: "It is only the second time a TA signals squadron has been deployed to the Balkans.

"We will be working with our regular counterparts, as well as soldiers from Canada and Holland. We will undoubtedly learn from them. But I am sure we will also teach them a thing or two."

Many of the TA signallers work in the information technology and communications industries, and their civilian skills will be a major asset.

One of their jobs is to run the computer network for the multi-national headquarters. The other is to provide communications for all the peace-keeping nations in Bosnia and the British troops in Kosovo.

The 34 Signals Regiment is based in Middlesbrough, and recruits from across Yorkshire and the North-East, and has squadrons in Middlesbrough, Darlington, Hartlepool and Leeds.