The Tamworth Herald splashed on an interview with a British soldier back from Iraq – after he walked into reception to tell his story.

He turned up at the paper’s main office in full uniform almost on deadline but the news team realised the scoop they had on their hands.

His candid interview was followed up by The Independent, Daily Telegraph, Radio 4, World Service Radio, Channel 4 news, ITV News and a host of local broadcasters after it featured on page 1 and 2 in the Herald.

News editor Linda Ram said: “He said he wanted to tell the other side of the story rather than the sugar-coated version.

“I asked him about repercussions on several occasions because I was worried he could get into trouble but he said he knew what he could and couldn’t say.

“His regiment won’t be going to Iraq again, but he has volunteered for Afghanistan later this year, so he’s not got a problem about serving in the Army, just what is written about it.”

Private Paul Barton told readers how Iraq was a “hell hole” and had gone downhill.

He said: “It’s a full-scale riot and the Government are just trying to save face.

“On the last tour [of duty] we were not mortared very often, this tour it was two or three times a day.

“We were constantly being fired at – basically we didn’t sleep for six months.

“I want people to see it as it is.”

He offered photographs too gruesome for the Herald to print, showing blood spilled by his comrades.

He said: “I was the first one to get to one of the tents after it was hit, where one of my mates was in bed.

“The top of his head and his hand was blown off. He is now brain-damaged.”