FEARS that soldiers returning home to Tidworth from Iraq might let off steam after more than six months of intensive pressure on tour have so far failed to materialise.

In fact the soldiers have won a plaudit from a local police officer for their impeccable behaviour since coming home. Sgt Mick Wood, the section commander in Tidworth, told members of Tidworth Parish Council there has not been a problem.

"I was on duty over the whole of the last weekend and there wasn't a single incident involving a returning soldier," he said.

"Their behaviour has been impeccable."

Sgt Wood says he had been in contact with the Garrison Sergeant Major and passed on the good news. With so many soldiers returning, and some still awaited, there had been fears voiced by some councillors in Tidworth and Ludgershall that high spirits could get out of hand but police said they had contingency plans to provide

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