BRITISH troops fighting on the front line in Afghanistan have paid tribute to the generosity of people in Uttoxeter.

Scores of servicemen who spent Christmas Day on tour in the war-torn country received parcels containing seasonal goodies and practical items donated by schools, clubs and individuals in the town.

The appeal was launched last November by four Uttoxeter firefighters who all have experience of the armed forces.

Father-of-two John Adams, who served with The Queen's Own Hussars (tank regiment) from 1980 to 1990, spearheaded the Save Our Soldiers campaign.

The 45-year-old, of Park Avenue Uttoxeter, has now received a number of thank you letters penned by soldiers during breaks fighting the Taliban.

Mr Adams, who is based at Burton Fire Station, said: "Having served in the armed forces I know it can be tough to spend Christmas Day apart from your family. These packages would have helped lift spirits.

"It can be seen from the thank you letters how much they were appreciated.

"It's good to let them know we are thinking of them through their continuous difficult tours."

A note sent from a guardsman of the First Battalion of the Grenadier Guards reads: "I am very proud of my job as an infantry soldier and any other regiment that serves on tour but it gives me a warmer feeling when our families and the civilian population are supportive and proud of us.

"I was delighted when I was given your parcel and it is with this I take pleasure in writing back to you. I will not refuse the offer of another parcel from you as I know I am in for a good treat. Thank you for remembering us out here."

Hundreds of items were contributed by people in the Uttoxeter area.

Students at Abbotsholme School, Rocester, gave the largest single donation.

Another letter from a 27-year-old air engineering technician in the Navy told how he put up decorations in the camp which had been donated by people in Uttoxeter.

East Staffordshire mayor Geoff Morrison, who served in the RAF for 22 years as a photographer, said troops he met as part of his civic duties had all expressed their thanks for the support they received.

Mr Morrison, of Bridge Street, Uttoxeter, said: "It is important for us to do things like this for the soldiers, it gives them a link to home and the strength to continue the great job they are doing."