JOYCE Malin's grandson Brett Wright is a Lance Corporal in the Royal Engineers.

Girlfriend Sarah, who he is planning to marry next year, received a letter from Brett on Thursday - the first time the family has heard from him since the war started.

The 26-year-old former Walkwood Middle and Bridley Moor High school pupil has been in the army for almost nine years and has served in Ireland, Kosovo, Canada, Cyprus and Afghanistan.

Mrs Malin said Brett's family had no idea where he was but think he may be in the Basra area.

Also in Iraq is Daniel Edwards, a Royal Marine Commando from Inkberrow.

The former Pershore High School student joined the Royal Navy at 17 but transferred to the Marines, passing out a year ago.

Daniel, 21, has a younger brother Robert and dad Roger and has been with girlfriend Amy Griffiths for about two years.