RALLY behind our girls and boys in the Gulf - that's the plea from the family of a city nurse who is on her way to the Kuwaiti desert war zone.

Mum-of-three Jennifer Poyner has been a nurse in the Territorial Army for 16 years, but this is the first time she has been called up for active service.

Jennifer, a nurse with the 202 Field Officers reservist unit of the Royal Army Medical Corps, said goodbye to her children, seven-year-old Mary-Anne, nine-year-old David, and 12-year-old Kenneth, and husband Alan, on Thursday.

Now her family is appealing for the public to support Jennifer and her colleagues - and to send them messages of support via the Ministry of Defence's E-bluey postal system.

They are worried about the effect anti-war protests will have on troops as they prepare themselves for war.

"The British public don't seem to be behind them and that's what worries me from the side of the troops," said Mr Poyner, at the family home in Peterborough Close, Ronskwood.

"It's out of their control, and knowing the people they serve aren't behind them won't help morale.

"At the end of the day they're only doing their job. They haven't chosen this war."

Anyone can send a short three-line email message to the armed forces through the MOD's E-bluey system. The messages are then printed out and delivered to troops in the field.

As well as the amusing, heart-rending and anxious messages from loved ones, the message board contains many messages of support - but most of these are from Americans, particularly grateful New Yorkers.

Mr Poyner says he hopes the city will back his wife and the rest of the Gulf troops by adding their support.

"We're not sure where she is out there, but we know things will get to her through the E-bluey system. The kids will be using it quite a lot," said Mr Poyner.

"She rang us just before she flew out. It wasn't too tearful. We went through that when she left to join her unit.

"The hardest time will be when the conflict starts. I hope this country can unite behind them."

To send a message to troops already in The Gulf visit the E-bluey bulletin board at www.bfpo.org.uk.

Do you know anyone already in The Gulf? Is your son or daughter preparing to fight with the Army, Navy or RAF? The Evening News wants to hear from you on 01905 74 22 44.