A soldier has issued a heartfelt plea for "morale mail" to boost the spirits of lonely troops preparing for war in the Gulf.

Sergeant Ashley Johnson penned a letter to the Telegraph & Argus asking readers to write to his team with messages of support.

Sgt Johnson, 30, of Silsden, was one of the youngest soldiers to fight in the Gulf War 12 years ago and is urging the public to support the servicemen and women.

"Today was a sad day for the boys out in the Gulf as, once again, we got no mail," he said in the letter.

"I thought I'd write an appeal on behalf of the seven single lads and one single lass in the group of people I work with.

"Here is the chance for you Yorkshire folk back home to give a little cheer to the boys and the lass out in the Gulf."

His parents Kathleen and Alan said they were proud of their son, who is part of the Army Air Corps based in Suffolk.

But Mrs Johnson, who has two other sons Mark and Spencer, said the troops were finding it more difficult this time because of a growing anti-war movement.

"He is trying to keep morale up because he sees the British public are not behind them this time and this makes it more difficult," she said. "People should be getting behind the lads. I respect the fact that people are entitled to their opinion but while they are there we need to support them."

She said the gesture was typical of her son who was now drawing on his own experiences as a teenage soldier during the last war to help others.

"I hope some people do write to them because letters are a lifeline," she said. "We are writing to him and sending him airmail envelopes to write back because they are like gold dust out there, and we are putting together food parcels.

"I've also sent a copy of the T&A because no matter where he is, his papers go to him."

Anyone who wants to write to the group should send post to 663 Signal Section PB (Post Box) Appeal, 3 Regiment Army Air Corps, Op Telic, BFPO 660.