It's going to be an eggs-tra special Easter for the children of Westcountry servicemen out in the Gulf, thanks to the Western Daily Press and Cadburys.

Some 6,000 Easter eggs are being delivered to RAF Culdrose in Cornwall and Army bases in Wiltshire ready to be sent on to families of the SAS in Herefordshire, and to Royal Marines in Plymouth, including 42 Commando, with whom WDP picture editor Jon Mills and reporter Richard Edwards have spent the last month.

It's a major logistical exercise for the armed forces, who have thanked Cadbury for their support.

And WDP editor Terry Manners said: "We are delighted Cadbury agreed to get involved. It is important for us to think of the families at home as well as those who are on active service.

"We hope this generous gesture will give a big boost to the thousands of youngsters missing their mums or dads and worrying about their safety. We are proud of them all."

Wansdyke Labour MP and defence whip Dan Norris, who asked the Western Daily Press to get involved, said: "I know that this will give a real Easter boost to the many families across the South West when they have been so worried about their loved ones in Iraq."

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