A LONELY soldier in Iraq has sent a letter to The Hereford Times with a plea for help.

He wants readers to write to him in the desert to help boost his morale.

Hereford born-and-bred Bombardier Phil Harris said the troops hear they have the support of the public for what they are doing but have little access to up-to-date news.

He described the desert as very hot, very sandy and very windy.

"We are not exactly top heavy with provisions, but not to worry, we always seem to cope,'' he wrote.

The soldier said his main reason for writing was to try and get some letters coming his way, it was all they had at the moment to boost their morale.

Giving a few personal details he said he was aged 31, and liked clubs, pubs, cinemas and eating out and was quite partial to quiet nights in and football.

"If there are any younger girls who want to write to someone out here I would gladly pass the letter on to someone in the same age bracket," said Phil.

In the meantime he was in the middle of Iraq with his fingers crossed that someone would write to him soon.

Letters should go to: Bdr Phil Harris, 7 Commando Bty, 29 Commando Regt, Operation Telic, B.F.P.O 654