Doting grandparents Gillian and John Exley have been left holding the baby while his soldier parents are in the Gulf.

Samantha Cawley and husband, Jonathan, are both with 7 Transport Regiment of the Royal Logistics Corps, in Kuwait, near the Iraqi border.

Mrs Cawley, a 23-year-old radio operator and driver, and Mr Cawley, 31, a physical training instructor, were put on standby at Christmas, and on Valentine's Day, they travelled to Kuwait.

While they are away, their 20-month-old son, Rhys, has been looked after by Mrs Cawley's parents in Newcastle.

Mr and Mrs Exley, who also have a 19-year-old son, Gavin, have had their lives turned upside down by the arrival of Rhys.

Mrs Exley said: "It has been nearly 18 years since I had a 20-month-old baby to look after, running around the place. But it is great having him with us."

Mrs Cawley joined the Army as a 17-year-old and met her husband through the forces.

Originally living in Colchester, the couple's home is now at Army barracks in Bielefeld, Germany, meaning Mr and Mrs Exley did not get to spend as much time as they would have liked with their first grandchild - until now.

Mr Exley, a lorry driver, said: "Our life has been put on hold for the moment, but it is a sacrifice we do not mind making."

The couple will stay in the Gulf for at least six months, and have been told it could be even longer.

14/04/2003