THE SUNSHINE island of Cyprus has been an arduous training ground for a Birkenhead soldier.

Signaller Danny Jones, aged 20, whose father Raymond lives in Woodchurch, is based with 16 Signal Regiment at Rheindahlen, Germany. He has been taking part in Exercise Lion Sun which included training in infantry attacks, coastal patrols, urban fighting and helicopter operations, as well as mountain trekking and orienteering.

Danny joined the Army in 1996 after attending Woodchurch High School and a spell working in a shoe shop.

BLOOD donor sessions take place at Birkenhead Town Hall next Monday and Tuesday (June 29 and 30).

Donors can give blood from 10am-12noon and 2pm-4.15pm on each day.

AN open day takes place on Friday (June 26) at M & H Plant Hire depot in Conway Street, Birkenhead. Customers will be invited to enjoy refreshments in a specially erected marquee, chat to workshop staff and view the extensive range of equipment on offer.

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