In the wake of false allegations of abuse against prisoners in Iraq by British soldiers, the county council is sending a message of support to the Cheshire Regiment now battling for the hearts and minds of the people of Basra.

Cheshire Regiment soldiers were playing football with Iraqi children when their 'hearts and minds' campaign was ambushed by grim news from home.

Publicity about torture photographs now known to be fake resulted in a bounty being placed on their heads and a huge setback to their work with the locals in Basra.

It also resulted in public confusion and a sense of betrayal among soldiers' families across the county.

Cheshire County Council fired its own salvo to those parents and soldiers of the 22nd Cheshire Regiment and their TA colleagues serving in Iraq declaring: 'We back you to the hilt.'

Political leaders responded unanimously to an impassioned plea from new council chairman Barrie Hardern to 'fly the flag' for the regiment's superb 'nation-building' work in Basra.

The chairman shares the concern of service families that the bad publicity on fake torture photographs has sul-lied and obscured the true story of bravery and achievement.

He told members at the annual meeting of the council: 'This is not about the rights and wrongs of Iraq.

'This is all about our young men - many of them just 18 - doing a first-class job keeping the peace and doing their best to help rebuild Basra as well.

'They are in touch daily with what is going on at home and they are well aware of the false impressions given by these photographs.

'I would be deeply ashamed if one single soldier thought that we doubted them and the job they are doing.

'They deserve our support, their parents deserve our support and I would like every member of this county council to help me ensure that they know they are getting it.'

The council agreed to send an official letter of support from the chairman, signed by the leaders of all political groups, to the regiment's Commanding Officer, Lt Col John P Donnelly, in Basra.

And today Colonel of the Regiment Major General Keith Skempton was in the council chamber to receive the message meant for every soldier in the regiment.

It will be delivered to the regiment's base at Bulford and taken to Iraq by Lance Corporal Alan Kentjen, 24, from Ellesmere Port, the grandson of Labour Group Leader Derek Bateman.

Despite regular attacks from followers of the rebel cleric Muqtada Al-Sadr, the Cheshires are engaged in a 'hearts and minds' operation, helping to provide fresh water supplies, electricity, roads and school facilities.

'It is a battle they are slowly winning. Whilst there is a section of the population who are going to be hostile to anything we do, the vast majority of the people in Basra are supportive,' said council Leader Paul Findlow.

'Progress is painfully slow and worldwide publicity about fake photographs certainly did not help.' County Councillor Bateman said: 'The Cheshires are doing a fine job in 'nation building', sometimes in highly dangerous situations.

They deserve the greatest credit and I'm very proud that my grandson will be taking our letter across to Iraq telling everyone in the regiment just that.'

'I cannot imagine anything worse for a young man risking his life than believing that people back home have little faith in the job he is being asked to do by his country.' Lib Dem Group Leader Sue Proctor added: 'Army families have felt alienated and betrayed by false accusations tarnishing the names of all British soldiers.

'We want to tell them that they have our full support and appreciate the courage, conviction and abilities of young men who are doing a fine job in the most difficult of circumstances.'

Later, Major General Skempton said: 'On behalf of those serving in Iraq, I would like to thank the county council for their public support.

'Needless to say it is a difficult time for our soldiers.

'In addition to trying to win the hearts and minds of the people, every company has been involved in terrorist incidents.

'However, their training and professionalism is seeing them through. They have the spirit, resolution and humour which has become the hallmark of the Cheshire soldier.'