The hearts and minds of thousands of people living in Southern Iraq are being won over -- by traditional Yorkshire warmth.

Both regular and Territorial Army servicemen and women are gaining the respect of the 1.5 million residents of Basrah thanks to their straight forward, no-nonsense but friendly approach.

The level of trust has now reached the stage where locals are turning in suspected insurgents. In one case they were able to make arrests and prevent at attack of the former Shatt al-Arab hotel, which is the base for the Duke of Wellington's Regiment during its six-month long tour.

Lieutenant Colonel Phil Lewis, commanding officer of the Duke's said: "We have built up a lot of trust with the locals and they in turn are telling us about possible attacks.

"They say they are from out of the area -- and are bad men."

He added: "The Dukes have won the hearts and minds of the people.

"Our soldiers are just naturals. It is their friendliness and warmth which have made a major contribution the situation."

Major Dusty Miller -- the officer commanding the Normandy Company made up of Territorial Army soldiers from the East & West Riding Regiment and Tyne Tees Regiment -- said: "Our communication skills are incredible. I am very proud of what has been achieved. Every one of the lads and lasses are special and we are very proud of them."

The first phase of the "charm offensive" began when Basrah International Airport -- built for the use of Saddam Hussein's friends and families -- was opened up for pilgrims to go on a Hajj -- the pilgrimage to Mecca in Saudi Arabia.

The British troops provided the background security for the groundbreaking initiative.

Over the next few weeks the army then provided the security for the elections.

Major Miller added: "The elections were a stressful time. We did not know what to expect. But in this part of Iraq it was very quiet.

"It is still potentially very dangerous. But we are all happy to be playing our part in the birth of a new democracy."

Brigadier Chris Deverall, who is in command of the 4th Armoured Brigade, believes the world changed after the elections of January 31.

"The Iraqi people now have confidence in their police and army. I think they have surprised themselves," he said.

"This is an awesome weapon. They have bought into democracy big time. Those who didn't vote are now regretting the decision."

Lance Corporal Peter Hastings, of Keighley, a TA soldier with the East and West Riding Company, said of the Hajj: "We were supporting the RAF guarding the terminal so that the pilgrims could get in and out.

"It was amazing to see just how religious they were. They would just stop and pray at the side of the road."