ONE of the youngest commandos of the Parachute Regiment is thought to be on operations around Iraq's second city of Basra.

Eighteen-year-old Private Michael "Cheese" Royall - his nickname derives from the royale with cheeseburger - has been in the Middle East since January with the 3rd Battalion of the frontline force.

His dad Mark, who spent nine years in the elite regiment himself, said: "If he's got to be over there he's probably in one of the best units.

"The paras and the marines are highly trained, effective and look after each other." Private Michael "Cheese" Royall.

Mr Royall, 42, of Walter Nash Road, Kidderminster, said the former Harry Cheshire High School pupil had always wanted to join the regiment - which requires recruits to undergo a 24-week training course - and had been an air cadet when he was 13.

He last heard from his son the day before hostilities started on March 19 and said he devoured television coverage to see if Michael was safe - and dreaded any news of casualties.

"At first you don't want it to be yours and then you don't want it to be anyone else's. I hope he's going to be OK."

Mr Royall added: "I didn't agree with the war before it started but now they're there, let's back our boys."