Primary school pupils are backing British forces in the Middle East by sending them much-needed comforts.

Children at Cheveley Park Primary School, in Belmont, near Durham, eagerly responded to an appeal to help troops.

They have filled shoeboxes with everyday items which are impossible to acquire for servicemen and women in Iraq.

Shortly after the outbreak of hostilities, 13 boxes were filled with items for the troops, followed by 20 boxes early last week. On Friday, they handed over another 18 to despatch to the Middle East.

Teacher Ann Hunt, backed by headteacher David Bedworth, made the appeal after reading of the shortages soldiers are suffering on the front line in Iraq.

She said:"We have children who have brothers out there or whose parents used to be in the forces and wanted to help. "Some brought in whole boxes and others have brought in items to fill the boxes.

"The boxes are filled with some home comforts. It is to let them know someone is actually thinking about them.

"It is a way for the children to support the troops who are, after all, just doing their job in difficult circumstances."

Small teddy bears bearing messages from the pupils have also been added to the packages for the soldiers to give to Iraqi children.

The boxes were collected by Dawn Taylor, of Bearpark, near Durham, whose 22-year-old son, Mark, is serving in the Royal Logistics Corps in Basra, southern Iraq.

She is gathering cash and shoebox donations to send out to personnel in Iraq.

To help, call Mrs Taylor on 0191-373 2102.

14/04/2003