A FREE postal service for those serving in the Iraq conflict starts today.

Close family and friends will be able to send letters and packets weighing up to two kilogrammes free of charge to British Forces Post Office addresses in the Gulf.

The service, for items addressed to named individual personnel, will be in addition to the mail system known as "Blueys" mail and "e-Blueys".

Packets will be delivered as soon as the operational situation allows and has been organised with the support of Royal Mail Group.

Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said: "While we are sure that the troops will appreciate this support we would ask families not to overload the system, since we still need to get essential stores and equipment to the Gulf to support the front line."

Packets will only be accepted if addressed to named individuals with full unit details and a BFPO address.

They can be dropped in at any post office and will be forwarded to the Gulf by BFPO.