A FAMILY has been wrenched apart by the Iraq crisis -- with an uncle volunteering as a human shield while his nephew prepares to fight Saddam Hussein.

Jean Seager today spoke of her pride and concern for her peace protester son Dieter, and his nephew Steven Dixon, a commando with the Royal Artillery..

But the family's MP Greg Pope labelled Dieter "misguided" and urged him to come home as soon as possible.

Dieter, 28, flew out to Amman, the capital of Jordan, on Friday and is taking supplies to refugee camps and setting up Internet connections.

But he is preparing to become part of a human shield protecting schools, hospitals and civilians in Iraq if the threat of war grows.

His nephew Steven Dixon, 22, flew out to Kuwait from Germany on Monday and is currently preparing for military action.

Dieter, of Washington Street, Accrington, used to work as a care worker for the National Autistic Society, Clayton-le-Moors, before joining Operation Human Shield, organised by former US Marine and Gulf Warveteran Ken Nicholas O'Keefe.

He said: "I know of the risks but I am prepared to put my life on the line for what I believe in.

"I don't know what the plans are for me yet but I will go where ever I am needed. I have a three month return ticket, but I could stay out longer, it just depends."

While he said he didn't want to talk about his nephew he did say that they have tried to get in contact with each other. "I haven't spoken to Steven yet, he left a message on my mobile but I don't have any credits left."

Steven, whose father lives in Huncoat, lived with Jean, in Clarence Road, Accrington, before joining the army.

She said both uncle and nephew were very close and she spoke to both of them on Tuesday night from their respective bases in Jordan and Kuwait.

She said: "I was relieved to hear from both of them and it took a lot off my mind, but I am still frightened and I will continue to be."

Jean, 57, who also works for the National Autistic Society, said that while she was opposed to the war she had tried to stop Dieter going.

She added: "We've talked long and hard about it and we discussed all the issues surrounding it.

"He knows it is very dangerous and has discussed the fact that he could lose his life, but he feels very strongly about this.

"It is not in support of Saddam Hussein, who he despises as much as he dislikes George Bush, rather it is about the innocent people in the region who will be caught up in any conflict.

"He says a human life is a human life, and nobody should be able to take that.

"But he is not naive and knows that Saddam could use him.

"I'm concerned and frightened as any mother and grandmother would be. I'm proud that Dieter is sticking by his principles and proud that he feels peace is worth fighting for, but I still don't want him there.

"Steven knows his uncle is going out there and while he doesn't agree with what he is doing, like many of Dieter's friends, he respects him for doing what he believes in.

"Steven is prepared to go about his duties. He has a job to do."

Mr Pope said he knew Dieter and his mum Jean through local politics and Jean used to be a member of the Labour Party.

He said: "With the best will in the world he has been very misguided.

"I think he would much better off if he came home now, but I do respect his and his mum's political convictions. But to go and act as a human shield in Iraq isn't the right thing to do."