A CUSTODY officer and a hygiene manager who serve in the Territorial Army are on their way to Iraq.

Chris Wilson, from Ribbleton, Preston, and Andy Childs, from Lostock Hall, have been called up for duty as part of the latest TA mobilisation.

The pair left their barracks, the 5 General Support Medical Regiment Chorley detachment in Devonshire Road, Chorley, on Monday along with four other TA members from across Lancashire.

They will fly out to Iraq in early November after training in Germany.

Private Wilson, 31, works as a custody officer for GSL and a typical day sees him escorting prisoners to and from courts. The father-of-two said: "I joined the TA three-and-a-half years ago after I attended a social evening.

"I can't say I was expecting to be called up, but it didn't come as a complete surprise because they do warn you that it can happen when you join.

"I've got mixed feelings about going -- I'm looking forward to getting out there and doing what I'm trained for but I'll also miss my children, Thomas and Kieran."

The six soldiers, who could be away for up to six months, will be based in Shaibah, near Basra, in southern Iraq and will be responsible for a range of duties including helping to treat injured soldiers and taking them to army hospitals.

Lance Corporal Andy Childs, 37, who lives with partner, Celine Commenge, and is a hygiene manager for a wine distributor, joined the TA three years ago.

He said: "I have always had an interest in the military but didn't pursue it until I was in my thirties.

"Of course, I'm a little nervous about going over there but it will certainly be an experience to remember."