WHILE many of the district's brave soldiers fight on the front line, a Kidderminster woman and her husband are working behind the scenes to help keep the war machine oiled.

Michelle Tighe, 25, has been stationed in Kuwait with the Royal Logistics Corps - with her husband Stuart - since hostilities began.

Mrs Tighe, who was married on Valentine's Day last year, has spent the conflict making sure the coalition forces in Iraq are stocked with food, fuel, ammunition, vehicles and equipment.

Her father, Ian Mills said: "They had no qualms about going, they know how important their job is to the operation. Michelle and Stuart Tighe

"As a parent you do worry. When Michelle joined the army in her teens I didn't think I would one day see her go to war. But I know she is well trained and prepared."

Mr Mills, 44, who lives with wife Tracey at Waterside Grange in Kidderminster, added: "The thing we do not like is not being able to be kept in regular contact.

"The only way we can get any news from Michelle is by letter and that takes two weeks. We haven't spoken to her on the phone since the conflict began."

He added: "My wife and I are doing OK. Michelle is a tough character and knows what she is doing, but of course we want her back home as soon as possible."