A SOLDIER serving in Iraq had her mum in tears after writing to the Evening News thanking her for her support.

Michelle Tighe wrote from her Middle East posting asking to print a message to her mum Jayne Hirschfield and step-sisters Natalie and Leanne.

While she has been based in Umm Qasar port, with her husband Stuart, her mum has had to look after her dog Zac - an 18-month-old Staffordshire cross - at her Tunnel Hill, Worcester, home.

She wrote: "Very many thanks again for looking after Zac while Stuart and I have been deployed on Op Telic.

"We will be back in the UK soon for a mass reunion! Do not worry because we are both fine and can't wait to be back home again. XX."

Twenty-five-year-old Michelle joined the Army eight years ago and married her husband, also a soldier, last year.

"It's lovely to hear that message," said Ms Hirschfield, aged 44.

"It's hard having her away and it was awful at first. They're not having a very good time.

"But there will be a big party when they get home."

Michelle, who was a pupil at Elgar Technology College, is normally based in Aldershot with 10 Transport Regiment, Royal Logistics Corps.

During the war the lance corporal has been doing clerk work, while her husband has been driving the commanding officer around.

"They see each other quite a lot. Having Stuart out there has helped her I think," said Ms Hirschfield.

"She's managed to phone home and it's been great to hear her voice. Zac's been fine"

Michelle and Stuart are due back in the UK by the end of June.