FORCES wives and girlfriends of Maidstone troops serving in the Gulf are asking residents to wear a yellow ribbon to show their support.

The simple idea which started last month on an army internet website has grown into a nationwide campaign and a plea for help.

Medway midwife Trude McLaren, from Kings Bastion, Brompton is looking to businesses and people across Maidstone for donations of ribbon and pins ahead of a distribution drive.

Her husband Stephen, 27, is a section commander with 36 Regiment of The Royal Engineers based at the Invicta Barracks, Maidstone.

She said: "We want to raise awareness of our troops out there and to show our support for them. They are a symbol for a safe return.

"It has nothing to do with political standpoint. We hope people will make their own but will also welcome donations so we can make ribbons and distribute them."

Mrs McLaren received a letter from Stephen last Thursday sent on March 21, the night the first bombs fell on Baghdad and the war against Iraq began.

She said: "He seemed in good spirits and was on standby for action in Kuwait airport refuelling and building a camp next to a field hospital.

"He is a combat engineer so I expect he will be quite involved supporting the battle, which could mean everything from building bridges and restoring water supplies. "

"I was very relieved to hear from him. The first one is always more emotional after a week of not hearing anything.

"We have had one update since the war started but because we all live across such a wide area it is difficult to find out what is going on. I hope to be a lot calmer the next time he gets in touch."

Further details of the Yellow Ribbon Campaign can be found at www.yellowribbon.org.uk.

Ribbon can be sent to Mrs McLaren via the Kent Messenger at 6 and 7 Middle Row, Maidstone, Kent, ME14 1TG.