HELICOPTERS, boats and divers searching for mines were working today to clear a path for the first ships, including the Marchwood-based Sir Galahad, bringing humanitarian supplies to Iraq, Australia's navy chief said.

Navy chief Vice Admiral Chris Ritchie said that the first ship might enter the Iraqi port of Umm Qasr in a matter of hours.

"Work to clear the waterway is still going on and it is hoped to get a ship in there this evening our time," he told reporters.

"What we are talking about is clearing a very narrow channel that you can take shipping in. You have still got the rest of the waterway then to clear... and that may take many weeks."

As Iraq's only deep water port, Umm Qasr is critical for both military and humanitarian operations in the war.

The port is now under the control of the 17th Port and Maritime Regiment, which is also based at Marchwood.

Navigators and pilots from the regiment will guide ships in, while others unload the vital cargo.

Several ships, including the Sir Galahad, carrying humanitarian supplies and two Australian merchant vessels each carrying 150,000 tons of wheat, were waiting to head into the port.

While the actual port and town of Umm Qasr have been secured by coalition troops, dangers could lurk underwater.

The port also lies at the end of the 60-nautical-mile-long Khor Abdallah waterway which must be cleared of mines.

In the past week coalition ships have seized a tugboat and a barge loaded with mines, and a sunken boat laden with explosives.

Help offered to pupils as war rages

THOUSANDS of schoolchildren across Hampshire are being offered help and support by county education bosses over the war in Iraq.

A letter has been sent this week to head teachers at Hampshire's 542 schools by the county's education officer offering advice for children who may be distressed by the war or the threat of terrorism.

Education welfare and education psychology departments at the council will offer support to help in two ways - training for school staff in understanding children's distress and grief, and assisting school staff in their support of children and parents.

Intercultural advice is also available to ensure schools are sensitive to Muslim culture and that pupils are offered opportunities to explore and investigate Islam.

Guidance on educational visits and overseas travel is also provided in the letter.

Hampshire County Council's executive member for education Councillor Don Allen said: "It is important that we support schools to ensure that the needs and well-being of our pupils are addressed.

"School staff are trusted figures in pupils' lives and helping staff to support children effectively is essential in the current climate."