A HUNDRED York-based Army Signallers will be leaving for Iraq tomorrow to help keep British troops on the airwaves.

Regular, Territorial Army and Gurkha soldiers from 2 Signal Regiment, based at Imphal Barracks, will embark on a six-month tour, providing communications support for the British troops on Operation Telic.

Led by Major Ade Clewlow, who will serve in Baghdad, members of the squadron will be deployed at various locations throughout the country.

"We have been focused on this tour for some time and we are now ready to deploy," said Major Clewlow.

"The only thing we have not been able to prepare for is the heat - it will be about 45C when we step off the plane.

"Our role will be to provide secure communications for British troops serving in a number of locations in theatre. I will have soldiers the length and breadth of the country, which will keep me busy."

Updated: 10:24 Thursday, July 01, 2004