AN OLD soldier from Bolton is appealing for Gulf War veterans to help with the merging of two major armed forces associations.

Colonel George Robinson, 77, of Firwood Fold, Tonge Moor is life-president of the local branch of the Gulf Veterans and Families Association. He wants to join his association with the Middle East Forces Veterans Association in a bid to increase support services for soldiers suffering from Gulf War Syndrome.

Colonel Robinson, a former Desert Rat, said: "There are around 1200 veterans of the Gulf War in Bolton and Preston who are eligible to join.

"Many of them need help but are afraid to come forward because they are ill or have no back-up. Some of them are frightened and they need rooting out. "I served throughout the last war and was burnt, blown up and knifed.

"I spent time in hospital but never experienced the problems faced by soldiers today.

"I believe the Bolton branch of the Gulf Veterans and Families Association is the only one so far established in this country. But in America there are over 50 branches.

"Merging the two associations will be a long process. But I am a soldier and I will keep fighting until it is achieved.

"I am used to battles and dynamite did not stop me in the Second World War and it couldn't stop me achieving my aim now. I want to see the two associations merge and then when we have made a start I can stay in the background and see how members benefit." Colonel Robinson recently took part in a midnight candlelight vigil at the Cenotaph in London to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the start of the Gulf War.

Anyone wishing to join the new combined association can contact Colonel Robinson at 8 Firwood Fold, Bolton BL2 3AG or Major Ian Hill (rtd) who is chairman of both associations. Contact him at Highgates, Rappax Road, Hale, Altrincham, Cheshire WA15 0NR.

The Middle East Forces Veterans Association and the Gulf Veterans and Families Association meet at the British Legion on Chorley New Road on the second Wednesday of every month.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.