TROOPS serving in Afghanistan will be receiving parcels of toys thanks to a Pontypool housing association.

Melin Homes, based in Torfaen, are encouraging donations for their Toys 4 Troops campaign which aims to supply serving troops with gifts to help relieve stress during their service away at Christmas. They are asking for toys and games such as jigsaws, Lego and remote control cars to be donate along with Christmas cake and biscuits.

Claire Pearce-Crawford, welfare reform co-ordinator at Melin Homes, has spearheaded the shoebox appeal as her son Ashley Pearce-Crawford, 22, is serving with the Royal Enginees on his second tour of duty in Afghanistan.

She said: “It’s a lovely gesture from Melin Homes to show our support to our troops in Afghanistan and send parcels to Camp Bastion to be delivered amongst our serving soldiers over Christmas. My son is currently serving over there, so this is quite close to me personally.

"Our parcels are seen as a valuable contribution in boosting moral, and our packages are truly appreciated by our armed forces serving at this time of year. Some of the soldiers don’t have families to send gifts for Christmas day, and the small donation of goodwill at this time of year lets them know that we are thinking of them."

Melin, their contractors and partners have collected over 100 boxes to send out. Sapper Pearce-Crawford, who has been in Afghanistan since September, has obtained special permission for the gifts to be sent directly to his regiment.

Donations should be sent by November 30 to either Claire or Bethan at Melin Homes Ty'r Efail, Lower Mill Field, Pontypool, Torfaen, NP4 OXJ or call on 01495 745927.