AS expected, war has broken out in the Middle East. Wiltshire troops were poised for action yesterday after American and British jets bombed key positions in Iraq, just 90 minutes after the 1am deadline.

Whatever people's feelings are about the war, surely the vast majority of the public will be behind the service men and women who are in forward positions in the Kuwaiti desert. Our thoughts and prayers will be with the ground troops if they are called into action.

We are constantly told the soldiers' morale is high and they have been eagerly awaiting the outbreak of war, but it must still be an anxious time for everyone in the Gulf.

Friends and family left at home are also on tenterhooks, fearing the 'what ifs' of the days, weeks or months ahead.

Britain and America have taken a big chance by going in without a second UN resolution, but now they have taken the first step they must finish the job off properly.

To leave an evil dictator like Saddam Hussein in power would be a grave mistake.

Obviously all the problems cannot be solved by taking him out of the hot seat, but at least work could start on rebuilding the oppressed country before the situation reaches new heights.