WITH war looming against Iraq, a navy reservist from Preston is heading off to the Gulf where he expects to be deployed for up to six months.

David Miller-Crook, of Navigation Way, is preparing to leave on Sunday for training in Portsmouth before being posted to the Middle East.

David, 40, an IT manager at the University of Central Lancashire, has been in the reserves for 12 years, stationed all over the world in exotic locations such as Singapore and the West Indies. Now he is preparing for the biggest trip of his life.

The former Leyland Balshaws High School pupil said: "I'm excited about going, it's a new challenge and something completely different. It takes you away from your day-to-day life. I'm a bit apprehensive, but I believe in remaining positive."

David, who has two children Gabrielle, nine and Alexander, six, will be joined by eight other reservists from the North West, based at HMS Eaglet, Liverpool.

He said: "Of course I will miss my kids. The hardest thing is trying to explain to them whether you're going to war or just going sailing. They asked me if the boat has missiles."

David will be mobilised in support of the task group stationed in the Middle East. He will undergo medical checks in Portsmouth and administration procedures, before being accepted into the Royal Navy.

David said: "I don't know what to expect. We've been trained, so it's a case of getting on with it and getting back."

But David is no stranger to challenges. Just over three years ago he sailed across the Atlantic on a 55ft ocean-going yacht, from the Caribbean island of Antigua to Portsmouth, as part of a competition with the three armed forces.

He has since bought his own yacht and become an accomplished seaman through his training with the reserves.

He said: "It's basically a part-time job. We do tasks like small boat work, rope work and general maintenance. I spent two weeks on the Ark Royal last year for training.

"When I come back I'll be looking for a girl Friday to sail around the world with me."

University bosses have agreed to keep David's job open, although the seafaring pet lover has yet to find a temporary home for his cat and dog.