A Bradford-born nurse is joining Britain's massive military build-up in the Gulf.

Grandmother Debbie Evans, 39, will spend at least six months based at a field hospital in Kuwait with her Territorial Army unit.

She flew to the region amid fears that the outbreak of war with Iraq is imminent.

And she spoke of her shock at receiving the call to join the mobilisation against Saddam Hussain's regime - the first time she has joined a full-scale military campaign in 18 years with the TA.

Debbie, a combat medical technician and TA sergeant, joined her unit just hours before her flight to the Gulf.

The NHS nurse, who spent most of her life in Bradford before moving to the south coast, had to say a tearful farewell to daughter Laura, 19, grand-daughter Kailah, 14 months, and partner Neil Winslet.

"When you sign on the dotted line you know that one day you could be mobilised and this is the first time it has happened to me in 18 years with the TA," said Debbie, who now lives in Plymouth, Devon.

"The longest I've been away before was eight weeks in Cyprus for a joint military operation.

"When we got the brown envelope for this one I have to say I was shocked. But I had already heard whispers that it might happen."