IT may not be a dream job for many of us, but Laura-Jane Hawkins is thrilled to be working as a war correspondent.

The 28-year-old, who grew up in Southbourne and went to school locally, is currently stationed at the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) base in Germany, but has recently returned from a three-month trip to Afghanistan.

Laura-Jane, whose family now live in Bransgore, has been with BFBS for two years after doing a masters degree in broadcast journalism at the University of Westminster.

She said: “I went to Corpus Christi school and to St Peter’s and then went to university at Nottingham Law School and did a law degree.

“I wanted to be a barrister or solicitor and got on a legal practice course, but changed my mind. Deep down I thought it would be great to be a TV reporter, but I didn’t have a clue how to get into it.”

After completing her broadcast journalism course, Laura-Jane successfully applied for her first job at BFBS and, after a two-month stint at the head office in Buckinghamshire, was sent off to Germany.

“A lot of our troops are based in Germany, so I cover what they’re doing,” she said. “I’ll film and report them taking part in pre-deployment exercises, sporting competitions and report on any political or social issues that may be affecting them.”

Laura-Jane was sent out to Afghanistan in September and, far from being apprehensive about working in a warzone, she relished the experience.

“It’s a fantastic experience working in Afghanistan because you get to see for real what the troops do out there,” she explained.

“In Germany, I’ll be covering their mission specific training and always be reporting on ‘what they’ll be doing when they get out there’ but this time, I got to see for myself.

“Over my three months, luckily, it was fairly quiet fighting-wise, but that’s not the main reason the soldiers are there. They’re helping with the transition of the country, teaching and mentoring the Afghan National Army and Police.

“The British used to lead, but the Afghans now take control. Our soldiers are behind checking that they’re doing the correct drills and conducting patrols correctly. ‘Transition’ is the buzzword out there, giving the Afghans the skills and confidence to do it on their own as we’re not going to be out there with them for much longer.”

During her time there, Laura-Jane gained exclusive access to the court house in Helmand and filmed a trial about an honour killing, as well as going to the Afghan prison and interviewing an ex-Taliban commander who has now reformed.

“There were quite a few celebrities out there while I was there,” she added.

“I followed Cheryl Cole around for 48 hours. She was lovely. Ross Kemp was out there and Gethin Jones.

“I reported on Armistice Day during my time and I interviewed the new Defence Secretary. My footage was actually used for the Armistice Service at Trafalgar Square.

“It was also the tenth anniversary of our troops going out there and the tenth anniversary of 9/11, so I had plenty to keep me busy, with some very poignant occasions to reflect on.”

Laura-Jane, who is hoping to return to Afghanistan at the end of the year, said it was great to see our troops in action.

She added: “I did feel, from talking to the Afghans, that there had been progress and change. The Afghan police and army are being formed into a proper usable army and police force and developments are happening, including the vital growth of the Afghan Justice System.

“When I was a kid I thought it would be an incredible experience to be a war correspondent. So when I was in my helmet and body armour it felt surreal to actually be there, doing the job.

“I’m chuffed to be working for BFBS, it’s an amazing service for the armed forces. We’re always there with our cameras covering an event, exercise or an operation when it matters.

“Only 18 months after starting as a video journalist I’ve lived my dream of being out on the frontline as a war journalist and I loved every minute of it.”