FAMILIES and friends of troops out in the Gulf can send a unique message to their loved ones.

BBC Hereford and Worcester has linked up with the British Forces Broadcasting Services (BFBS) to offer the service to families and friends across the two counties.

Proud Worcester grandmother Maureen McKinney was one of the first to use the new service to send a message to her 23-year-old grandson.

Matthew Wyatt is a Leading Aircraftsman in the RAF serving in the Gulf.

"The worst bit is not knowing where he is," said Mrs McKinney, of Linley Close, Northwick.

"We have had two letters from him so far and he says he is well and happy. He said there was a lot he wishes he could tell us.

"I'm not sure whether he will hear this message but I knew we had to at least try.

"We write to him once a week and as soon as I'd recorded the message I wrote to let him know."

LA Wyatt is from Manchester, though his mum comes from the Faithful City.

Mrs McKinney said she was thrilled to be one of the first to visit the Hylton Road studios when the service was launched.

She prepared the one-minute message and recorded it in the studios before it was sent to BFBS for broadcast in its programmes.

"It's my favourite radio station and I'd never been there before. They made me feel very welcome," said Mrs McKinney.

"I'd recommend it for other families and friends as it's a lovely thing to do for the troops.

"It's a nice way of sending a message and making it personal. You can write to them but this is special."

Anyone can visit the radio station at its studios in both Hereford and Worcester to record a message. They are open between 10am and 3pm Monday to Friday.