Since Karen Webster helped to set up Support Our Soldiers in April 2003, after her son was deployed to Iraq with the Desert Rats, the organisation has provided ongoing support for members of the armed forces, particularly those on overseas operations, and their families at home.

Mrs Webster said: "We're delighted that our application for charity status has been accepted. This will make a big difference to fundraising efforts which in turn means that we're able to do more to help deployed personnel.

"It's also come through at a very opportune time, as we're about to embark on our Christmas Parcel Appeal.

"Last year we were able to send nearly 2,500 Christmas care packages, 1,000 of those from here in West Yorkshire, and we're hoping that now we are a registered charity, response this year will be even better."

Support Our Soldiers has sent Christmas parcels to members of the British armed forces serving in Iraq, Afghanistan and on other overseas operations every year since it was founded.

Shipley Tory MP Philip Davies, who has worked closely with Support Our Soldiers on the campaign for free postage on parcels to the Gulf, said: "I am absolutely delighted that Support Our Soldiers has received charitable status. Karen works tirelessly on behalf of our armed forces and their families, and this will provide a well deserved boost to her efforts. "