Wives and families in Colchester are sporting yellow ribbons to support troops from the garrison who are in Iraq.

The ribbons were handed out at the regular welfare briefing for families at the garrison.

Several hundred Army spouses and their children attend the briefings to hear the latest news about the 2,500 Colchester based troops in the Gulf.

Traditionally yellow ribbons have been tied round trees and on doors to show that relatives and friends are thinking of loved ones far away.

Sharon Watt, information officer at the Hive, the garrison's information referral service, said: "It's to show that we are thinking of the troops and it's support for the lads and lasses out in Iraq."

And she said she would welcome non military families making their own ribbons to wear.

Published Thursday, April 10, 2003

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette