A NEWPORT grandmother has spoken of her fears after her grandson returned to Iraq this week for his second tour of duty in the war torn country.

Trooper Dean Hanbury, 20, of the Queen's Dragoon Guards, left his German base and flew to Baghdad for a six-month tour.

Trooper Hanbury, from Alway, is a tank driver with the QDG and will miss his 21st birthday at home next month.

The Ministry of Defence said his unit will be helping to maintain peace and stability in the British run section in the south of the country near Basra.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon confirmed this week he had received a request from the United States asking for British troops to be moved from the south to the volatile centre of Iraq in and around Baghdad.

The Cabinet will make a decision on Thursday but Mr Hoon told the House of Commons this week that Britain "would be failing in its duty as an ally" if it did not help.

Many opposed to US request claim it is being done to boost President Bush's re-election on November 2.

Trooper Hanbury's grandmother, Linda Hanbury spoke of her fears. "He said he was going to be a convoy driver rather than a tank driver and said he would be in Baghdad. I am proud of what he has done but very worried about the situation in Iraq and where he is going.

"He will be 21 next month and won't be home for his birthday. He wasn't home for his 18th either. You cannot help but be worried about where he is going."

Last year the Argus told how Dean was sent to Iraq with his close friend Michael Ahern.

The QDG are being deployed as part of the 4,000 strong contingent of 4 Armoured Brigade which is stationed in Osnabruck and Munster.

The Welsh soldiers will be working alongside other 4 Armoured Brigade units including The 1st Battalion, The Scots Guards; The 1st Battalion, The Duke of Wellington's Regiment; The Royal Dragoon Guards; 4 Regiment Royal Artillery; and 21 Engineer Regiment.

The 1st Battalion, The Welsh Guards, currently based in the UK, are joining these units.