AN RAF engineer returning to York from the Gulf has told how the power of a York City shirt cannot be over-estimated.

Iain Hollington, 23, of Huntington, returned to his family home after a five-month tour of duty in Iraq with the RAF.

"It sounds very dramatic. I went out there in mid-February and was there while all the fighting went on, but for me it was hot, and dusty, without that much to do," he said.

Iain, who works for the airforce tactical supply wing, told how his City shirt - and copies of the Evening Press - helped him feel far more at home in the dusty desert, and helped pass the time in the sweltering heat.

His City connection came in useful when he saw soldier Dave Cryle, 19, of Acomb, sporting the very same shirt on his base.

"I saw him walk into the building, and was really pleased to see someone from York. It was great to have someone to talk to.

"Then one day when I was wearing my own shirt with Evening Press on the front, the chef turned out to be from York too, so City brought us all together."

Iain works on refuelling, ensuring the helicopters are properly filled at the right time, which can involve sitting in the desert for hours to make sure he is there when the crews need him, so they can rescue casualties and conduct other vital tasks.

"It is an important job, but not that glamorous, that's where the Press came in," he said. "My mum sent them over, then I would pass them over to the chef and to Dave.

"I always get the Press when I'm at home anyway, but it was especially good to have it out there."

Iain is based in Stafford, where he will be returning after his leave at home in Huntington.

In previous years he has been sent to Oman and war-torn Afghanistan, before a tour of Northern Ireland last Christmas.

"Now I am off for a three-year placement in Cyprus, I'm really pleased," he said.

"It will mean different work, and I am really looking forward to it."

Updated: 09:17 Thursday, June 26, 2003