THE soldiers of Hullavington's 9 Supply Regiment may be a tough lot, but they went decidedly gooey when they saw pictures of their kids in the Gazette & Herald.

The 525 soldiers, who are stationed around Al Zubayr Port, about 120kms south of Basra, are working hard to supply second line combat support to the logistics brigade, including providing general stores, technical equipment, rations, water and medical equipment, so seeing their children enjoying a trip to Legoland, was a welcome reminder of home.

Captain Claire Cobley, who is also serving with the regiment outside Basra, said: "The lads were all really chuffed to receive the papers and morale shot up that day I've never seen so many rough, tough soldiers go so gooey so quickly."

She added: "The tour is going very well.The soldiers are working very hard, although the temperature is now about 50C+ and doesn't drop much below 38C at night.

"It is going to get hotter too, as we go further into July and on into August."

9 Supply Regiment left for the Gulf in May and although the majority of the regiment is due back to Hullavington, some time in August, 160 soldiers will stay on until November.

The families' trip to Legoland is just one of a packed programme of events being laid on by Hullavington's Buckley Barracks while the regiment is away.

Coleen Davies, who is in charge of the camp's community centre, the HIVE, said: "I know the boys were thrilled to see the children enjoying themselves in the Gazette and the children will also be pleased that their dads have seen their pictures in the paper."