A RESERVIST nurse could soon be reunited with her family after spending two months in Iraq.

Mum-of-three Jennifer Poyner has been away from home since February when she was called up to serve in the Middle East. She was based in East Anglia for several weeks before finally being sent to Kuwait, and was not expected to return home until September.

But this morning her family said they are now expecting her home by Thursday, May 24.

The news follows reports that morale among reservists is low, equipment still has not been delivered and anthrax jabs were not administered.

Mrs Poyner is one of 500 reservist medical staff who are waiting to return home after regular troops were sent back.

There have been reports that the reservists will quit their positions with 202 Field Officers reservist unit if they are forced to stay until September. Regular troops have already been returned to the UK.

Her husband Allan, who has been juggling looking after their three children with working at Tolladine Community Centre, says they can't wait for her to come home.

"We think she'll be home around Saturday, May 24," said Mr Poyner, of Peterborough Close, Ronkswood. "We've heard nothing about them quitting.

"We're just hoping she will be back as soon as possible."

Last month, he said that they were not happy that she was still away from home.

"We want to know why they are keeping the Territorial Army troops out there when they're sending back the regulars," he said.

Mrs Poyner has been a member of the 202 Field Officers reservist unit of the Royal Army Medical Corps for 16 years. This was the first time she had ever had to serve in a conflict and was reported to be in high spirits, despite being away from her family.

Last month, her husband spoke of a telephone call they had received from her base in Basra, Iraq. He said she was in "good spirits though I wouldn't say she was enjoying herself".

The reservists have mainly been treating wounded Iraqis. It is now taking over responsibility for all allied forces in the British sector in southern Iraq.

The other reservist unit, 207, is due to relieve 202 of its duties.