BRITAIN appears to be experiencing a mini-baby boom nine months after it went to war with Iraq.

In the last two weeks alone, Tesco has had to cope with a run on products for babies at stores near military bases.

The trend is particularly noticeable at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, where demand for baby clothes and other accessories has leapt 14 per cent.

Tesco Baby and Toddler Club manager, Sarah Baldock, said: "Exactly the same thing happened when Britain went to war with Afghanistan two years ago."

One of the Catterick store's staff is among the expectant mums.

Pippa Hayden and husband David brought their wedding forward in February when he was told his unit could be sent to Iraq - although, in the end, it was September before they left the UK. "I also have a friend whose husband is in the Army and she's expecting as well," said the 22-year-old checkout assistant yesterday.

"David's serving in Basra with the RAF Regiment's 34 Squadron, who are usually based at RAF Leeming - but, I'm lucky because I'm expecting him home this weekend, which means he'll be here for Christmas."

Other Tesco stores selling more baby goods include Milton Keynes, near RAF Cranfield; Exeter, near RAF Lympstone; Hereford, which has an SAS base nearby; Poole, where Royal Marines and the Special Boat Service are stationed; Blandford, near the home of the Royal Signals and the Tank Regiment; Swindon, near RAF Lyneham; Aldershot, which is home to the Parachute Regiment and Plymouth, which is the UK's main navy base.