LIFE at home is tough for partners and families as they anxiously await news of the impending war.

Jackie Graham, of Hullavington, whose husband has been posted to the Gulf, said she was frightened for him as war became increasingly likely, and had the news on constantly at home.

"It's the threat of chemical warfare that worries me the most," she said.

She suspected her two teenage daughters, Kirstie, 18, and Lousie, 15, were also very worried about their dad.

"We all keep ourselves really busy this past month while he has been away. But every time the news comes on our house goes really quiet," she said.

Sgt 'Junior' Graham is a vehicle mechanic with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, attached to 84 Medical Supply Squadron.

Mrs Graham, a catering assistant, spoke to her husband on Sunday night, using his 20-minute allowance of phone calls.

"He did sound cheerful," she said. "But the previous week his morale wasn't so high. I think he's tired of the waiting and the weather conditions are very difficult.

"It's very windy and wind speeds have been reaching 85 miles an hour."

Mrs Graham has been sending her husband food parcels, including his favourite sweets.

She said it was the support of friends that kept her going.