A SOLDIER from Ellesmere Port based in Iraq had a special visitor just before Christmas.

Sergeant Ian Bishop, who is serving as a radio operator in the war-torn country until May, chatted away and shook hands with Labour leader Tony Blair during the Prime Minister's morale-boosting trip to Iraq.

Sgt Bishop was also given two weeks off over the holiday period to spend time with his wife Hayley and daughters Chelsea, Ashley and Kirsty before returning to Iraq last Wednesday.

Hayley Bishop said: 'He absolutely loves his job and said it was really nice to meet Mr Blair as it was a welcome break to their everyday routine.'

The Bishop family only moved back to the town two years ago so eldest daughter Chelsea, 15, would be settled during her GCSEs having spent 5 years in Germany.

This is Sgt Bishop's third tour of Iraq. He has been based there since November, along with his wife's brother-in-law Andrew Atkins, who is also from the Port, and a 12-year army veteran.