Mum's thanks to Express readers

Both Paula's boys are serving with the Second Battalion Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, usually stationed in Germany.

Alistair, 23 is a Corporal and an electrical engineer while James, 21 is a Lance-Corporal and works as a chef.

Both were originally deployed to Kuwait and she has not heard from them since the invasion began.

Before they went, both boys told their mother how important letters from home were.

Paula went on: 'Alistair was in Kosovo.

'He said getting letters was just like it looks in the World War Two films when letters are distributed and people fall on them.

'You feel a bit special '“ people who don't get them are left out.'

Paula this week e-mailed the Express to say a big thank you to all those who responded to her appeal.

She writes:

I would like to take this opportunity of thanking everyone that has been kind enough to respond to my recent request for pen pals for my sons.

Through the article in the Sussex Express I have had a terrific response, and have received lots of letters '“ all of which I have forwarded on to the members of 2 Battalion REME, currently in South Iraq.

It was quite a surprise as knowing of all the anti-war demonstrations that have been held locally and nationally, I had not expected the response that I got.

I would also add, not just for my sons, but I, too, also received some extremely compassionate and sympathetic correspondence for myself.

I have to date not heard from either of my sons since the start of active service, but continue to write to them regularly. I have sent to them everyones' good wishes.

Again, a sincere thank you to you all.

Paula Horton ,

New Rd, Ridgewood,

Uckfield.