Home is where the heart is. . .

THEY may be thousands of miles away but their hearts are here in Hampshire this Valentine’s Day.

Soldiers on the front line in Iraq have sent loved ones a message home to show they are thinking of them.

The romantic gestures have been made as army bosses expect a surge in the post this weekend with red envelopes dominating the postbags instead of the traditional blueys.

The men from the 1st Battalion Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment have been in Basra since last December as part of Op Telic 13.

Based at the contingency operating base in Basra airport, they are half-way through a six-month deployment where their main role has been training the Iraqi army.

The Daily Echo talks to the people of Southampton about Valentine's Day

The messages have been sent as a special week, dedicated to the efforts of Hampshire soldiers both home and abroad, draws to a close.

The first initiative of its kind, Tigers Week was about showcasing the work of the men and women of the three battalions of PWRR and the bravery of those on the frontline.

Messages of love for Tiger families...

Stephen Johnston, 30 from Fareham.

“To my girlfriend Jennifer in Fareham, missing you loads already. Can’t wait to get back, look after yourself and the kids. All my love, Steve xxxx”

Private Callum Daly, 18 from Southamp-ton, serving A Company.

“For my girlfriend Nicky Smith living in Southampton. Hello gorgeous, hope you’re okay. Happy Valentine’s Day. Sorry I can’t be there but thinking of you all the time and missing you loads. Love you, love Callum x”

Private Steve Jackson, 22 from Portsmouth.

“To my girlfriend Zoe O’Leary in Stowmarket. Hey baby, Happy Valentine’s. Sorry I can’t be there, thinking of you all the time and miss you so much. I can’t wait to be with you soon. Love you forever and always

Cpl Nathanael Wriggles-worth, 28 from Eastleigh, serving at the Basra Operations Centre.

Girlfriend Claire Light and six children: Ashleigh, Jordan, Tyler, Allyssa, Phoebe and Nikki: “Happy Valentine’s! I had a great R&R – still thinking of you. Loving you lots and can’t wait to see you again. Give a kiss to the kids to me, love Nathanael xxx”