Army wife gathers 'treats for troops'

Army wife gathers 'treats for troops'

Mrs McCaldin will send nine boxes of gifts to troops in Kuwait

An Army wife, whose husband has left Colchester Garrison in Essex for war duty, has been collecting luxury treats for the troops.

Amanda McCaldin's husband and others in the 16 Air Assault brigade already have the essentials for survival - what the Army calls bullets, boots, and beans - but little extra.

Following an appeal to the public she was inundated with gifts to send to the soldiers - everything from toothpaste to toffees.

In fact, she has collected so many treats, she said she does not need any more at the moment, because logistics have got in the way.

'It really lifts your morale'

"It's going to be hard to get it out there all at once", Mrs McCaldin said.

"We've got boxes galore; at least what I have collected, I can get out there."

Captain Kevin Haresign with the 16 Close Support Medical Regiment told BBC Look East that donated gifts carry the very important message of public support.

He said: "To actually receive little parcels - it really lifts your morale, and morale is paramount for the troops to be successful in what they do over there."

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon met privately with Army spouses at the garrison on Wednesday.