YORKSHIRE'S top army officer spoke today of his confidence in soldiers from the region who have been deployed to the Gulf.

Brigadier David Shaw is Commander of 15 (North East) Brigade and also of York Garrison, which encompasses Imphal and Strensall Barracks in York.

He said several hundred soldiers from the Regular and the Territorial Army in North Yorkshire had been deployed to the Middle East. The soldiers include hundreds of members of the 2 Signal Regiment, based at Imphal in Fulford Road.

"They are well trained and will be deployed in a wide range of roles," he said.

"I am confident that they will acquit themselves well and in a capable and professional manner. "Our thoughts and good wishes are with them and with their friends and relatives during this Operation. We look forward to their safe return."

Updated: 08:27 Thursday, March 20, 2003