No stranger to danger TV presenter Gethin Jones has spent a few days with British soldiers in Basra.

Here he gives us a brief insight to life for the troops working in the southern Iraqi town that once dominated the news, and where its people are rebuilding and redeveloping Basra following the conflict.

How do you feel about being in Basra at this time?

The first feeling is one of calmness. It was an odd journey for us, the team, on a chartered Army plane from Brize Norton. It's the oddest thing seeing soldiers wearing their uniforms.

There was a mortar attack on Basra while we were waiting in Kuwait, one of just a few attacks this year. There's not been much activity, which goes to show how much work the British Army has done.

When we got here, from Kuwait to Basra in a Hercules, it was a fantastic experience, and being in Basra things seem much more under control.

I've had an amazing day. It's been a real insight, particularly the female troops. I have met female police officers, the dog unit, in signaling, every part of signaling, whether control of operations of communications operations.

Chatting today, there seems to be a very positive and affectionate feeling towards British soldiers in Basra and the outskirts. They all have positive things to say about our soldiers there. They're building a democracy and are working on social and economical development, and working with local people. That's been amazing to see.

The people of Basra are not living in the past, they are looking forward.

As our role in the conflict draws to a close, how is morale among the troops?

A lot of the troops will go back to their base in Germany. The feeling is not so much leaving - but looking forward to it being complete for Basra. Following lots of handing-over roles, the soldiers will go on to the next project, whatever it may be.

The general consensus of these troops is they join for a reason, to serve a purpose, and they go about their daily work with determination and professionalism you could possibly imagine, to achieve their goal and withdraw at the end of May with mission accomplished.

Does there seem to be a sense of 'everyday life' returning to the town?

From what the soldiers say and what I've seen, Basra is getting back to a more stable area. It's got a democracy and the people are moving forward. There are fewer attacks. Militia groups are not attacking Iraqi soldiers and the local police are getting more involved.

Do the troops feel they are being as well cared for as possible?

Absolutely, I've been chatting to them a lot about that today and I've not heard any complaints, except one girl's uniform didn't quite fit!

The biggest gripe, I think, is that they miss their families. Some of the girls are very young. However, one young Lance Corporal said, "this is the life I chose and Mum and Dad support me". That was quite profound.

Having spent time with our boys and girls in Basra, can you see yourself on a long-term operation?

I would enjoy the discipline and challenges involved. These guys train heavily for what they do. Some things really appeal, like the variety of life. You can't be negative about it.

I spend a lot of time filming away, sometimes for three months, around the world, and you miss your family like mad. But the sacrifices you make are worth it in the end. These guys have a driving ambition. As soon as they put on their uniform they are committed.

What kind of past-times do the soldiers enjoy when they're not patrolling?

Listening to music, watching films and, being very active, they like going to the gym. On Sundays they have a little time off to let their hair down but alcohol's banned.

They do get to watch some television. This Morning was on in the background when I arrived. They love watching films but don't get the many new ones. They'd like some more recent films to watch while they're here.

What's the food like? Do the troops eat the local cuisine or is it brought in from the UK?

It's locally sourced food and delicious, too. They need to eat a lot because they're burning it off. I've had a full cooked breakfast, pie and veg, fresh fruit and two chocolate brownies. And I'll definitely be having a milkshake later.

Will this experience make you feel glad to get back to the UK?

I can't wait to tell everyone about it, but I've loved it but because I'm inquisitive anyway, and meeting these people has been fabulous. It's a privilege to come out - shoulder to shoulder, spending time with them. They've been so welcoming and informative. It's been very enjoyable.

The most inspiring people I've met during any time are people in the military - love their cliches and they'll stay with me for a long time to come. The most important thing is perspective, when the chips are down at home, moaning about the weather, the traffic or the wrong sandwich filling, you realise it's not all that bad. People are doing a lot worse out there.