A BUDLEIGH Salterton couple are once again appealing for gifts to send to troops serving in Afghanistan this Christmas.

A BUDLEIGH Salterton couple are once again appealing for gifts to send to troops serving in Afghanistan this Christmas.

Jean Gregory, assisted by her husband, Colin aim to gather the packages as part of a Support the Troops Shoe Box Appeal.

The initiative is being supported by Jean’s band of generous volunteers, as well as David Rhys & Co, Tax World and Otterton Mill – and they hope to repeat the previous two years success with the 2010 collection.

Jean, of Sherbrook Close, started collecting parcels two years ago because her son, Major Keith Gregory was serving overseas for the Territorial Army.

She said: “The morale of the Troops is greatly boosted by the thought that the general public have taken time and effort to acknowledge their circumstances and are truly appreciative of their boxes. There is much delight opening the gifts to discover what they contain and they then often swap items amongst each other, adding to the fun. “

One Trooper E Bennett of the Queen’s Own Yeomanry, attached to 5 Regiment Royal Artillery said: “Having a few home comforts eases the discomforts of every day living on the front line, but also because it spurs us on to think that people back home are thinking of us. We have a difficult time here, but it is humbling to think that a complete stranger cares enough to do this for us and, for that I thank you.

Living on vacuum-packed and de-hydrated rations for a month at a time is mundane to say the least – even though the meals are allegedly different, they all taste and look the same! The goodies received in parcels are always gratefully received, and shared around so everyone benefits.”

Suggested items for donation include biscuits, sweets, soap, socks, comics, torches, magazines, plasters, tea bags and Pot Noodle.

If you can donate any items they can be taken to Tax World, 55 High Street, Budleigh Salterton – Monday to Friday 9.30-4.30pm or on Saturdays 9.30 –2pm to David Rhys and Co, 22 High Street. Those in Otterton or East Budleigh can deliver to Otterton Mill from Monday to Friday 9-5pm.