I AM writing to you to express my disgust at the article I read in the paper at the weekend.

My son is 19 years of age and joined the army in February of this year. Since he was a little boy he knew he wanted to go into the army and has at last realised his dream. He is well prepared to fight for his country and he will do this to the best of his ability.

However, I found it shocking enough that troops were having to pay for their own boots. But this beggars belief. To cancel their personal insurance can only put further stress on their loved ones and it is also my belief that this will do nothing to boost their morale. Why on earth do these men and women join the army? For the nice life and the travel available to them? No, it is because they want to serve and serve well.

I am very proud of my son and his beliefs against the disaster that happened in America and maybe we should stop being petty and cost cutting and reward the talents and ability of these brave men and women.

I can only add this and it is a message to my son, Mark Smyth -- I am so very proud of you son and glad that you are doing something you believe in and, hopefully, help to make this world a better and safer place. My love and thoughts are with you always.

Mrs S Spilsbury

Great Lever, Bolton