Royal Marine Darron Gould, from Brighton, had his spirits lifted by a surprise package sent to Iraq by friends at The Argus.

The parcel included chocolate and cigarettes, as well as the recent edition of The Argus featuring full reports and pictures of the West Pier fire.

Mr Gould, administration manager at The Argus until last June, has been serving in the southern part of Iraq since war broke out last month.

He said: "I was on a massive low but then I received the mail and what a shock I got when out of the blue a parcel arrived.

My morale skyrocketed. The chocolate had turned into liquid but it was all much appreciated."

He admitted having a lump in his throat reading a card signed by his former colleagues.

Mr Gould, part of 3 Commando Brigade of the Royal Marines, added: "Life here is not too bad but at least there is now an end in sight - do not know when, though."

Meanwhile in Hastings, Royal Marine Anthony Crouch, 23, has been getting to know son George, who was born while his father was based in the Gulf.

Former Hillcrest pupil Anthony was told fiance Leanne Stacey, 21, had given birth to 9lb 1oz George by his camp padre.

When he arrived back at RAF Brize Norton, Oxon, Anthony kissed and hugged his fiancee and their first child in front of television cameras.

Now safely back at home after weeks with the 847 Naval Air Squadron, Anthony, of Oakfield Road, Ore, Hastings, is happy to settle down to family life.

He said: "It was annoying not being there at the birth but it's nice to be back. There have been a few sleepless nights but he's been good really."

Anthony is now waiting for news from friend Simon Porter, 23, another former Hillcrest pupil, who is still in the Gulf with the 3rd Brigade Logistics.