A SERVICEMAN'S wife who organised a successful appeal to send toiletries and other essential items to soldiers during the last Gulf War is gearing up for another campaign.

More than 800 boxes containing everything from aftershave to writing paper and packs of cards were despatched to the battle zone the last time Susan Stamp swung into action in 1991.

Mrs Stamp, from Farnworth, also collected 600 boxes of aid such as clothing to send to Kosovo refugees in 1998.

Now she is hoping the new appeal, which she is calling Desert Storm Two, will be a similar success.

Mrs Stamp said: "The response was unbelievable last time. We had all sorts of schools and offices taking part.

"The last time we did this hundreds of soldiers wrote back saying it was just what they wanted. I know it's early days in the war yet but it could still go on for a while. Sometimes we don't realise how short of basics the troops can be.

Those interested in donating items, which should not include money or clothes, are being asked to contact Mrs Stamp on 01204 437321 or 07932 059736.

Mrs Stamp's husband Leading Mechanical Engineer Marine Ian Stamp, who serves with the navy, is not taking part in the current Gulf conflict.

She said: "I'm not doing this for personal reasons but because I've done it before and people were thankful then."