Give to charity, don't send parcels, says MoD

Well-meaning members of the public were urged to donate to service support charities rather than send their own packages.

There is just a week to go until the December 3 deadline for forces families to send post to their loved ones in time for Christmas, and public mail, often addressed only to "a soldier", can clog up the system.

Head of British Forces Post Office (BFPO), Brigadier Russell Beattie, said: "While the sentiment behind the public wishing to send welfare parcels is gratefully acknowledged it is far better that they donate to established service charities as they can focus support directly to areas of greatest need."

Delivering parcels to remote outposts can mean additional helicopters and convoys are required, placing troops at risk.