SIBLINGS from the region are hoping to enjoy Christmas dinner together – in the Afghan desert.

Brother and sister Ben Amers and Vicky Hindson, from Washington, are both in the Royal Air Force.

The duo are currently deployed in Afghanistan, where they will spend Christmas and New Year.

And the pair are planning to meet up for Christmas dinner in the desert.

Vicky, a 30-year-old sergeant, said: “I managed to catch up with Ben for 10 minutes when his flight arrived, but I haven’t been able to see him since.”

Ben, 35 and a corporal, added: “Hopefully I will be able to meet my sister for a Christmas lunch.”

Ben and Vicky both went to Usworth Comprehensive School in Washington.

Their family – mum Nancy and stepdad Graham Wakeham, and dad Dave, still live in the area, the former at Shield Close, Blackfell.

After leaving school, Vicky worked in the area as a phone operator for Convergis.

Her stepfather suggested joining the air force and after taking his advice she is now serving as an aerospace systems manager.

Vicky is currently stationed with the United States Marine Corps at Camp Leatherneck, at Helmand, in what is her second tour in Afghanistan.

She said: “I feel it is the pinnacle of my career so far.

“It is very different from the role I have trained to do in the UK and I’ve had to adapt to this challenging role rapidly.

“I feel honoured to be directly supporting the men and women on the ground in Afghanistan.”

Ben was a self-employed bricklayer until his sister’s enthusiasm for life in the RAF got him interested in following in her footsteps.

Again, with the encouragement of their stepfather, Ben decided to join up and is now a member of the RAF Police.

This is his fifth tour in Afghanistan and he has also served in Iraq and Cyprus as well as performing duties in the USA, Canada and Europe.

Ben is based at British base Camp Bastion, a matter of miles from his sister.

He said: “I have enjoyed all of my operational tours and have had the opportunity to work with some great people from many different countries.”

The duo’s mum, retired PE teacher Nancy, 60, said: “I am really proud of them.”

Nancy and Graham will be spending Christmas Eve with Vicky’s husband Kevin Hindson, from Stanley, who is also in the air force as a flight lieutenant.

They will spend Boxing Day with their son’s girlfriend Ellie Weatheritt, from Westerhope, who is missing out on what would have been her first Christmas with him.

But although Ben has missed a few festive seasons through duty, for the Wakehams it will be their first Christmas Day with just their three dogs for company.

Nancy hopes to get the chance to wish her children Happy Christmas by phone or email as they share the day together thousands of miles away.

“It is going to feel really rather strange for me because Christmas is for families and that is my family but I am so pleased that the two of them will be able to have their Christmas meal together.”