Bradford children are being invited to make friends with Iraqi youngsters in strife-torn Basra by sending letters and cards.

The request has come from the Commanding Officer of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Phil Lewis.

The Duke's have been in Iraq since November, taking over from the Cheshire Regiment in Basra City for their second tour in the war-ravaged country.

Lt Col Lewis said the regiment was anxious to establish links between Iraqi children and schools in the Bradford and Keighley area to exchange letters and ideas.

He made his appeal in the British forces newspaper, Sixth Sense, which is distributed among the troops.

One of the main aims of the soldiers is to win the confidence and support of local people.

The commanding officer said the troops were busy working with the new Iraqi police force, National Guard and local authority in community-orientated projects.

The work included refurbishing schools and a children's hospital ward and rebuilding a sports stadium to international standards.

His appeal to the district's youngsters is being backed by Mary Lister, the Keighley woman who has been spearheading the campaign to save the Duke's identity.

The regiment is under threat from Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon's plan to cut the number of infantry regiments from 40 to 36.

Mrs Lister, of Keighley, said she was prepared to send letters from children via her brother, Lance Corporal Thomas Thompson, 36, who is a serving soldier in the Duke's.

Her granddaughter Aimey Gerrard, ten, a pupil at Parkwood School, had already sent Christmas cards.

"The more links with the children in Iraq the better. It brings people together," she said.

The Duke's face becoming a battalion in a Yorkshire super-regiment.

Regimental top brass are insisting that if it happens, the Duke's must retain the insignia and badges as well as their name.

Mrs Lister can be called on (01535) 215711.