A DORCHESTER soldier is back home today after suffering multiple injuries in the war in Iraq.

Lance Corporal Shane Nobes, 26, of the 7 Regiment Royal Logistics Corps was hurt when a convoy of British trucks carrying military supplies was involved in an incident on the Iraq-Kuwait border.

Shane said he was only allowed to give brief details of his ordeal due to military sensitivity.

But he told the Echo he broke his hand and nose, twisted his knee and foot and injured his neck, back and shoulder in the incident.

Shane, of Lubbecke Way in Fordington, was evacuated to an army hospital in Kuwait before flying home to be reunited with his mum and stepfather, who had not seen him for five months.

He is still undergoing twice-weekly treatment at Dorset County Hospital, where he described the staff as 'top-notch'.

He said: "It's great seeing my family, but I feel guilty being back when my mates are still out there. If I could go back, I would. I'm taking one day at a time but plan to get well as soon as possible and go back to my unit."

Shane added: "What people saw on their TVs is what we saw for real, but that's our job. It was very hot, and hard not having things you take for granted, like running water and electricity. I did get homesick in the silent hours."

Shane's mum, Jeanie Chubb, 46, said: "It was very worrying when we got the phone call saying he was injured. The relief when I saw him was unbelievable, he had lost so much weight."

Shane's stepfather Pete Chubb, 45, said: "It's brilliant having Shane back, because we are buddies and I missed him. We are a close family anyway, but this has brought us closer."

Mrs Chubb set up a support network for parents with sons and daughters in the Gulf.

Shane said: "Now the news coverage has stopped, most of the support is fading but this is when the troops need it most, they're getting homesick and lonely."

People who want to send letters and parcels can call Mrs Chubb on 01305 264708.