GULF war veteran Fran Ryan knows exactly what troops serving in the desert need - and she is hoping people living near Catterick Garrison will be able to help.

The 42-year-old mother of three served as a nurse with 32 Field Hospital in Saudi Arabia during the first war with Iraq.

She said: "Packages from home are a real boost. It is great to get things from your family, but when goodies arrive from complete strangers, it helps you realise people back home are thinking of you and supporting you."

The Army will ensure troops are fed and watered. Regular supplies will even include sun block, insect repellent and basic toiletries.

However, it is the luxuries the men and women will lack, including wet-wipes, shower gel, moisturisers and lip salve, which will help them cope with the heat and dust.

Anyone who would like to help is asked to leave donations for the troops at Finlays, in Hildyard Road, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.

Items donated will be sent to soldiers, who are being asked to distribute them to their colleagues.

Ms Ryan said: "We have done okay so far, collecting about four large boxes of supplies which will divide into smaller packages.

"A packet of sweets, a box of wipes or a tube of toothpaste may not sound like much, but it can make a big difference."

Goods which cannot be sent include chocolate, and anything bulky, in a jar or a tin.