A FORMER soldier is urging the Government to officially recognise Gulf War Sickness Syndrome after falling victim to the crippling disease.

Noel Baker, from Rainham, has backing from Gillingham MP Paul Clark, who has agreed to look into the matter after the USA acknowledged that illnesses suffered by troops were caused by chemical weapons in the 1991 conflict.

Mr Baker, 36, a father of one, said he fell ill just a few months after leaving the Army in October 2000. His symptoms, which include severe muscle spasms, rashes, asthma, post-traumatic stress and depression, are so bad that he can no longer work.

The former corporal, who has serve his country in Northern Ireland, Cyprus, Bosnia and Germany during a 13-year career, is angry that the authorities refuse to believe him.

After becoming increasingly weak he was referred to a military unit at St Thomas' Hospital in London. He said: "I just could not believe that I had come out of one the most professional armies in the world and I was more or less being told I was a liar and that I was imagining things."

Mr Baker, who lives with his partner Cheryl Smith and two step-daughters in Bedford Avenue, embarked on his campaign last summer.

He says that with Medway's strong military links he is sure there are more ex-servicemen in the area who have not come forward.

Mr Clark said: "I will be looking into my constituent's case and seeing where we are in the wake of the American decision."

While out in the Gulf from December 1990 to May 91, Mr Baker's job was to "act as a screen for chemicals and pass information down the line" .

He said: "We had no idea of the medical effects and when we were given jabs we were not told what we were being injected with, even though at the time were feeling sick."

He added that they were now being fobbed off "as a bunch of whinging compensation seekers".

"But they don't see me on my bad days, when I can't stand up, or when I wake up at night screaming after a nightmare." He added: "I believe I deserve more." For more information ring the National Gulf Veterans and Families Association on 01482 833812.