A SINGLE-mother soldier seeking £1.14 million compensation after winning a discrimination case revolving around childcare turned down a post at Blandford Camp, which has two creches.

Claims by Tilern DeBique, 28, of sexual and racial discrimination following disciplinary action for missing parade duties after failing to arrange childcare for her daughter were upheld.

But an employment tribunal heard that Corporal DeBique, a Foreign and Common-wealth soldier serving with 10 Signals Regiment, turned down a post at Blandford’s Black Lane Army base, which has an abundance of childcare facilities.

Garrison staff officer Lt Col (rtd) Bob Brannigan said he was unable to comment on Ms DeBique’s individual circumstances.

He added: “Blandford Garrison is primarily a training and instructional facility. There are no deployable roles.

“The camp has two pre-school crèche facilities: one is part of the Downlands School, and the other is provided by the MoD.

“There are not only facilities on the camp, but also in close proximity, supported by Blandford town. At the end of Black Lane, there is another pre-school.

“We do have some good facilities here which any soldier with children, married or single, can avail themselves of,” added Mr Brannigan.

Some 3,000 soldiers and their families stationed with the Royal Corps of Signals live on the base to the north of the town.

Cpl DeBique joined 10 Signals Regiment – whose HQ is at Corsham, Wiltshire – in 2001 and served the Army for seven years, before leaving the Forces in 2008.

The compensation sought by the former soldier includes £10,000 damages, and £18,000 for “hurt feelings”.

The remainder covers loss of earnings, pensions and benefits.

A hearing to decide the level of compensation to which Ms DeBique, who lives in Tooting, south-west London, is entitled is expected to conclude this week.