Mum Paula Horton is ready to play matchmaker for men and women serving in the Gulf.

Paula, whose two oldest sons, Alistair and James are in Kuwait, is ready to pair the brothers - and others serving alongside them - with penpals.

Alistair, 23, is a corporal and works as an electrical engineer while James, 21, is a lance corporal and works as a chef.

The pair are serving with 2nd Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, normally stationed in Germany.

Paula, of New Road, Uckfield, said like all the soldiers, the boys looked forward to getting letters and parcels from home.

She said: "If you've got something from home, it lifts your spirits, if you don't, your morale drops.

"It would be a real boost for them all to have a letter from home. They are not political. They are doing what they have been asked to do by the Government. They need our support while they are there.

"They are both single and would love to hear from girls, or anyone at home. Just pick up a 'bluey' air mail letter and give some boys a smile."

Letters can be sent to Paula at 44 New Road, Ridgewood, Uckfield, TN22 5TG.