As the first wave of troops to be withdrawn from Iraq prepare for the journey home, Joe Willis and Catherine Jewitt talk to their familes at Catterick Garrison and the anti-war protestors in the Prime Minister's North-East consitituency.

TONY BLAIR'S plans to cut British forces in Iraq have been welcomed by families of soldiers serving in the Middle East.

In December, about 5,500 soldiers from 19 Light Brigade, based at Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, left for the southern Iraqi city of Basra.

The soldiers' families living in and around Catterick last night applauded the Prime Minister's announcement and said that British troops should be withdrawn as soon as possible.

There was also support for Mr Blair's comments that Iraqis should "write the next chapter" in their country's history.

Private Wayne Bernare is serving with the King's Regiment, based at Basra Palace.

His wife, Nasha, welcomed the news that her husband could soon be home.

She said: "I don't thing they should be in Iraq any longer.

"I think the Iraqis should put the situation right themselves. It's our spouses' lives that are in danger."

Sarah Dixon's husband, Adrian, serves with the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment.

Her is due to return to Iraq for his second tour next year.

Mrs Dixon said: "I think it's about time they were pulled out.

"I think there could be civil war out there very soon.

"But on the other hand, I worry what will happen when we do leave.

"The Americans are sending in more troops - and it sounds harsh, but I would prefer to see them there than us."

Helen, the wife of a soldier serving in Iraq who declined to give her surname, said her husband was serving with the Queen's Royal Lancers.

She said: "It's about time we had them back.

"This is my husband's second time in Iraq. The first time he had a job to do, but now I think they've already done the best they can - they've been out there long enough."

Garrison commander Col-onel Nick Millen, also welcomed the Prime Minister's announcement.

He said: "It is very positive news, although it will have no immediate impact on Catterick Garrison where 19 Light Brigade, who are currently deployed to Iraq, are based.

"The success of their work mentoring and empowering the Iraqi security forces will go on until they complete their seven-month tour in May.

"It is this continued success which will help achieve the conditions required for Iraqi provincial control in Basra.

"In the future, it may well mean that fewer troops will have to deploy to Iraq from their home at Catterick - and that must be good news for the families."

Campaign group Sedgefield Against War, which protested against the war in Iraq and supported anti-war candidates who stood against Tony Blair in the 2005 General Election, welcomed the news.

Secretary Richard Wanless said: "It vindicates the anti-war movement. It was an illegal war and troops should never have been there in the first place.

"But it is at least good to hear that our troops are coming home.

"The war in Iraq certainly hasn't done anything to restore peace in the Middle East.

"Things are far worse now. It led to civil war in Iraq between different factions.

"People will continue to express their sentiments at a national demonstration in London on Saturday."