Manchester Evening News journalist Martin Dillon has returned to Iraq, a year after he reported on the conflict in the country.

Martin was one of just a handful of reporters who were allocated positions with the British landforces on the front line as part of the Regional Press Corps, and a year later he returned to report on the changes there since the war.

During his ten-day trip he spent time with British soldiers who are helping to rebuild the country, camping at the Shaibah Logistics Base, 20 miles from Basra, where the headquarters of 2 PARA of the Parachute Regiment are stationed.

Recounting his adventures in an online diary on ManchesterOnline, he said: "There is a kitchen offering fresh food every day, showers, proper toilets, a television room and even a bar, a far cry from my experience of being in Iraq last time."

Bombs dropped by American war planes shookc the ground on his last visit and artillery guns blasted Iraqi positions. He was forced to wear a gas mask in case of a chemical or biological attack.

This time he faced the potential dangers of suicide bombers and unexploded mines left over from the conflict.

Indeed, there were nearby suicide attacks while Martin was in Iraq, and he witnessed a gun battle where seven troops were injured and several Iraqis are believed to have been killed.

He also visited Al Amarah, the first major town he had come across following the invasion last year.

He said: "Back then, thousands of people lined the streets and most seemed happy to see us.

"This time there were no cheering crowds and people paid little attention to our army Land Rovers as we drove through the town.

"There were more stalls at the side of the road and they all seemed to have fresh produce. One was even selling satellite dishes, which seem to be the status symbol in Iraq.

"I have driven past homes with no roofs but they have still had a satellite dish on them!"

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