THEY have served in war zones around the world, but yesterday it was all about Operation Tidy Up in an Oxfordshire village.

Soldiers from Abingdon's Dalton Barracks took time out from preparing for a tour of duty in Afghanistan to help residents in flood-stricken Nuneham Courtenay to clear their homes.

Homeowners there have been faced with flash flooding twice in eight days.

Erica Simms and her partner Dean Jones, who live in the former village shop, said their life has been a nightmare since the storms - so were more than happy to receive help from the military.

They had only just tidied up after being flooded during the first storms when the second downpour came last week and destroyed the majority of their belongings on the ground floor of their home.

Ms Simms said: "It's been an absolute nightmare. This has affected us in every way. What we saved the first time, we lost the second.

"We've begun to start fearing the rain. I've been unable to sleep at night worrying I'll wake up to find more flooding. I've become paranoid about the rain.

"When the Army got in touch to say they wanted to help, it was great news. It really has restored my faith in humanity. We really hadn't had many offers of help, so to have these guys just turn up and help us like this has been fantastic."

The six soldiers, from 29 Regiment, Royal Logistic Corps, arrived yesterday afternoon armed with sandbags, buckets and cleaning products.

Cpl Dave Paintin read about residents affected by the flooding last week and asked his commanding officer if there was anything the troops could do to help.

He said: "The boss looked at our resources and, although we are stretched, he felt it was important to help the community like this.

"We've stopped operational training for the afternoon to come down here.

He added: "I paid Erica and Dean a visit last week to check out the extent of the damage and they seemed quite down about things, so I'm glad that we've been able to help."

Ms Simms and Mr Jones did not have any home insurance when the floods struck and have not yet calculated the total cost of the damage.

Ms Simms added: "We have lost pretty much everything - sofas, TVs, chairs, bookshelves, DVD players.

"We've got tidemarks two-feet high around the living room. We were having to open the doors to let the water out as it started coming up through the floor. We just couldn't cope with all the water. It was deeper inside than it was outside. At least now it's looking a bit better."