A CHARITY is urging people in Dorset to support our troops on the frontline this Christmas.

The Dorset branch of Support Our Soldiers (SOS) is launching its Christmas Shoebox Appeal, will see treats and supplies sent out to servicemen and women serving in Afghanistan and around the world.

The Christmas boxes containing things like toiletries, sweets, nuts and crisps will be sent out to the soldiers in November so they arrive in time for Christmas while also leaving December free for them to receive family parcels.

Support Our Soldiers area co-ordinator for Dorset Chris Worsfold said the county branch has set a target of sending 1,000 shoeboxes this November and he is looking for support from local schools and organisations.

He said: We are particularly looking to see if any schools wish to be involved, as I am aware that a lot of children in the county will have parents serving in the forces and away over the Christmas period.”

Mr Worsfold said he is also keen to hear from any businesses or local firms that would like to support the campaign by acting as a collection point for donations.

Support Our Soldiers suggests the key to making donations for the shoebox appeal is to select small items with suggestions including Santa hats, tinsel, balloons, a small selection pack, Christmas cake or Christmas pudding, sauce or custard sachets, dried fruit, savoury or sweet biscuits, lollies, chewing gum, small toiletries or feminine items, socks, underwear, stationary, puzzle books, pockets games and small gifts that can be individually wrapper for inclusion in each box.

Items that will not be accepted include aerosols, alcohol, crackers, party poppers, lighters and matches.

Anyone who would like to donate a shoebox can call Chris and Amanda on 01305 269737.

The latest date that Christmas parcels can be accepted is Friday, November 22. After that parcels will not be wasted but will be held over until the New Year.

More information on what can and cannot be included in shoeboxes at supportoursoldiers.org.uk.