Soldiers snap up surplus store kit

Army surplus store owner Simon Deacon

As troops from Essex prepare to leave for the Gulf, business is booming at Colchester's army surplus store.

Though the government is stepping up orders for light boots and clothing, it seems it is not meeting demand.

The surplus shop, Troopers, where sales have trebled over the past few days, is being inundated with requests from paratroopers for extra desert kit.

Brand new desert boots are selling fast and gear known as "Gucci kit" on the High Street, perceived to be of better quality than standard army issue, is in big demand.

A compass pouch is made to order

"Boots, shirts, trousers - there's been a big demand for desert camouflage jackets but unfortunately there just aren't any available," said shop owner Simon Deacon.

Dozens of soldiers are calling in both to buy gear or take in kit for alterations.

The Ministry of Defence is stressing there is no need for anyone to pay out of their own pockets to supplement standard issue.

But In the store the work continues round the clock to meet demand.