ROYAL Marine Richard Jenkins has told his family in Wolverley he will write again when the "big push" to overthrow Saddam Hussein is over.

The former Wolverley High School pupil wrote to his mum Dorinda before the war against Iraq started. Royal Marine Richard Jenkins with seven-year-old daughter Jessica.

"He said he was OK, that it was a God-forsaken place and that he was tired and working very hard, but he wouldn't change things," said Dorinda.

Richard is a warrant officer II serving with the 42 Commandos and looks set to mark his 36th birthday in May on the frontline.

"I feel absolutely fine about him being out there. He is well-trained and knows what he's doing. Of course I want him home and safe," said Dorinda, of Hayes Road.

Richard, who is married and has a seven-year-old daughter, Jessica, is normally based in Devon, and has seen action in Afghanistan and Serbia. He has also represented Great Britain in dragonboat racing with the marines.

He comes from a military background. His mum served in the Royal Signals before marrying, her father was in the Army and Richard's dad Colin was a member of Black Watch before transferring to the Royal Engineers.