A Keighley soldier this week spoke of life on the front line as he and fellow troops were preparing to enter Iraq.

Paul Williamson, of the Scots Dragoon Guards, was among more than 40,000 British military personnel on the Kuwaiti border awaiting the order to advance.

He said that despite hostile desert conditions, morale among the servicemen was high.

The so-called bluey postal system and access to satellite phones had helped the troops keep in touch with family back home, he added.

Paul, 23, who drives a Challenger 2 battle tank, said: "I thought it would be a good experience when I was told I was coming out here, and it has been all right.

"Morale is good among the lads and it just feels like another exercise. I miss being at home with the boys, but I have written some blueys.

"I am aware of the challenges that I may face in the coming weeks, but it is what I joined the army for."

The British contingent has teamed up with around 220,000 American troops at camps across Kuwait and in the massive Coyote desert training area.

Home comforts have been kept to an absolute minimum because of the need for units to be able to move at short notice.

Those located in the desert are living day-to-day on 24-hour ration packs, and they will be expected to drink at least 15 litres of water a day when temperatures reach around 40C in the next few weeks.

Troops based at some of the main camps have relatively normal toilet and showering facilities, but for others a simple solar shower bag is a vital asset. It uses little water, is heated by the sun and can be used hanging from a vehicle.

Most of the troops have small luxuries such as books and CDs.

Although conditions are tough, most of the soldiers have had years of practise during previous operations and are well prepared to cope.

Paul - whose father, John, lives in Keighley - joined the army in 2001.