The Army launched a major public relations campaign today, only days ahead of the fifth anniversary of the invasion of Iraq.

The campaign, entitled "To the Best", drew criticism from families who lost loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Rose Gentle, whose son Gordon died in a bomb attack in June 2004, said the money should have been spent on providing equipment to help protect soldiers.

Mrs Gentle, who co-chairs Military Families Against the War, said: "They should be spending the money on getting the right equipment.

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"They're trying to recruit but it won't work. You're not going to join the army if you don't get the protection you need.

"It's coming up to five years so it's a bit sad doing it now."

The campaign will feature television and print media advertisements encouraging people to show their support for soldiers and telling stories of Army work.

In research commissioned to coincide with the launch, pollsters discovered 87 per cent of those questioned supported British soldiers.

The campaign website will give members of the public the opportunity to log messages of support.

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