CWMBRAN soldier Michael Rhodes is fighting in the Gulf - but he's keen to hear the news from home.

Michael, 19, asked parents Chris and Deborah Rhodes (pictured) to appeal for young people - especially girls - to write to him and his colleagues in The Queens Dragoon Guards.

And now his parents want Argus readers' help. Mr Rhodes, 39, said Michael would love some letters from young people back home.

He said: "We are doing our best to write to him as often as we can, but he would like to hear news from younger people."

Michael went to the Gulf in February and his parents last spoke to him three weeks ago. But they try to keep up morale and contact through regular letters.

Mr Rhodes, of St Dials, said: "At the moment all we can do is watch the news as much as we can - even 24 hours a day.

"This is a worrying time for everybody. We watch for any sign of Michael and any further news."

He added: "This is the first active service that Michael has seen and it is certainly one heck of a start for him."

Becoming a Gunner was Michael's dream come true, and he loves his job.

But his dad admitted: "I think Michael was apprehensive about going to the Gulf, and a little scared, but he went out there to do his job.

"We are extremely proud of him, all our family are. I just hope that he keeps his head down and comes home in one piece."

l The Ministry of Defence does not have a direct system to write to the troops. If you want to write Michael and his colleages, send your letters to us at Letters for Michael, The South Wales Argus, Cardiff Road, Maesglas, Newport, NP20 3QN, or e-mail them to newsdesk@gwent-wales.co.uk and we'll pass them on for you.