PUPILS have brought comfort and cheer to troops serving in the Gulf.

Youngsters at Durham Johnston School raised £624 by holding a non-uniform day to buy items for parcels.

Sixty-eight parcels, containing things such as sweets, toiletries and socks, have been sent out to members of the 1st Battalion of the Parachute Regiment.

Former Durham Johnston pupil Kevin Davison, 23, of Brandon, is with the regiment near Basra.

His cousin Sarah Davison, 16, came up with the idea of holding the non-uniform day for him and his platoon comrades.

Kevin's father, also called Kevin, said: "It is a bonus for them. A lot get parcels from home, but a lot don't.

"He rang up on Wednesday and said 40 of the parcels arrived on Tuesday and they were dishing them out.

"They are all over the moon. With them doing a peace keeping role they give sweets and chocolates to the kiddies as a friendly gesture."