A SOLDIER serving in Iraq has sent a birthday message to his young daughter.

Lance Corporal Mark Bedingfield wants Sarah to know he is thinking of her tomorrow when she turns eight.

He contacted The Northern Echo to pass on many happy returns to the Lanchester EP School pupil.

The soldier, who is part of the Territorial Army Normandy Company stationed at Basra Airport, said: "I will be out here until the end of May and have missed Christmas Day with my family back in England.

"I would like to say a happy birthday to my Sarah plus a special thank you to my wife Lisa for putting up with me."

The devoted father, from Delves Lane, near Consett, has two other children Kate, four, and James.