BRITISH servicemen in Iraq sent an SOS - for footballs to be flown out to the Gulf to help them keep fit during their tour of duty.

And thanks to the Manchester Evening News and JD Sports the men of 10 Field Squadron will soon be taking delivery of 50 Umbro footballs.

The M.E.N. contacted bosses at JD Sports, who immediately offered to help when they heard about the request from senior officers.

Chief executive of JD Sports Barry Bown said: "When we heard that the servicemen needed some footballs sent out to help keep themselves fit we were more than happy to oblige.

"The lads out there are working in difficult conditions and we hope this gesture can make life a little bit easier for them."

Chris Smith 2nd Lt of 10 Field Squadron out in the Gulf, said: "This will be a great boost for moral of everyone who is serving out here.

"We have to keep ourselves fit and playing football is the ideal way for the men to do so.

"We would like to thank the Manchester Evening News and JD Sports for helping us out." Tweet