A HAMPSHIRE father is prepared to risk prison to highlight the desperate plight of people living in Iraq.

Les Gibbons was moved to volunteer for the sanction-breaking trip after hearing about the suffering.

According to some observers, more than a million people have died since 1998 as a result of malnutrition and disease.

Les said he felt compelled to do something to make Britons aware that economic sanctions backed by the government are killing innocent children.

"People are dying, and a lot of that is being accredited to US-led and British-backed sanctions which amount to nothing less than genocide," he said.

Les, 42, spent a relaxing Christmas at his Gosport home with his wife and two children, but said the preparations for the trip were always at the back of his mind.

"Christmas is important to spend with your family but you cannot really forget that there is so much unrest and suffering in other places in the world."

Although the trip is primarily to draw attention to the sanctions, Les and three other men from campaign group, Voices in the Wilderness UK, will also take some aid.

He has been given medical journals and TY Beanie Baby reindeer to distribute when he visits hospitals in Iraq. Others in the group will be taking medical supplies.

But Les says the point of the trip is not aid, which can only be a small drop in the ocean, but to draw attention to the non-military sanctions imposed to encourage the Iraqi people to oust President Saddam Hussein.

Many organisations and nations have blamed the sanctions for the increasingly desperate situation facing thousands of innocent people in Iraq.

Taking goods to Iraq without permission is against British law and punishable by up to five years in prison, but Les says the risk is worth it.

The group will take a letter to 10 Downing Street, shortly before they set off on January 3, outlining their plans and explaining their reasons for opposing the sanctions.

The four men will then fly to Jordan before travelling to Baghdad and Basra. There they will meet non-governmental organisations working in Iraq and document the impact of sanctions on ordinary people.

On his return, Les hopes to give talks on the experience to raise public awareness of what is happening in Iraq.

"I think first-hand accounts are useful - it will help to be able to show people the true cost of sanctions."

Anyone interested in finding out more can contact Voices in the Wilderness on 01865 243 232.