A BARRY teacher is urging News readers to back our boys and girls in the Gulf. Romilly Road resident Angela Edwards is spear-heading a local campaign aimed at getting get the community behind British troops fighting in Iraq.

She is hoping to persuade locals to wear a yellow ribbon to show their support.

The sixty-year old said: "It is important to point out that I am 100 percent against the war, but 100 percent behind our soldiers. It is vital they know we support them."

She was inspired by a GMTV interview of a young mum and her three sons wearing yellow ribbons for their soldier dad.

This moved Angela to find out how she could help spread the word.

She said: "I heard about a lady from Maesteg, Beverley Isaac, whose husband has just flown out to the Gulf. She had the idea of making ribbons and I've contacted her.

We are co-ordinating the making of these yellow ribbons to sell around the region.

Apart from physically showing our support, the money will go to the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA)."

But she stressed that the ribbons are a sign of solidarity for the troops not a show of support for the war.

She added: "I teach English to people as a second language.

Many come to this country fleeing conflict, and many are from Iraq.

One pupil, Najim, is from Baghdad.

He hates the regime and wants to see an end to Saddam's regime.

But he is very worried for his family still living there.

We would all like to have seen a peaceful end to the tyranny, but see war as a necessary evil."

Now Angela is pledging her support to the troops and wants Barry to do the same.

She added: "I am interested in hearing from anyone who wants to help make these ribbons.

I also want to hear from businesses who would like an SSAFA collection box on their premises."

To help Angela, call her on 01446 745156 after 7pm.