Free parcels for Gulf troops

Parcels can be up to 2kg in weight

Friends and families can now send parcels free of charge to troops in the Gulf, the government has announced.

The packets must be less than 2 kilograms to qualify for free postage, and will only be accepted if addressed to named individuals with full unit details and a British Forces Post Office (BFPO) address.

The packets will be accepted by Post Offices and forwarded to the Gulf by the BFPO, the government said.

Packets will be delivered to the troops as soon as the operational situation allows

Adam Ingram
Armed Forces Minister

But it stressed it was not a "general service for welfare parcels where there is no named recipient".

Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram urged families not to overload the system.

Other support

"While we are sure that the troops will appreciate this support we would ask families not to overload the system, since we still need to get essential stores and equipment to the Gulf to support the Front Line.

Qualifying parcels

All packages must be sent to named military personnel

Packages must have the correct address, including the soldier's name, number, unit details and full BFPO address number

'TELIC FORCES FREEPOST' must be written on the top right hand corner of the package

Only items of up to 2 kg can be accepted

Customers should take packages to Post Office branches

"Packets will be delivered to the troops as soon as the operational situation allows.

"Delivery of letters, "Blueys" and "e- Blueys", which are the primary method of communication, will have priority."

Mr Ingram also urged people who wanted to show their support for the Armed Forces to make use of the British Forces Bulletin Board to leave goodwill messages, or contribute to the UK Forces Gulf Fund.

"The fund has been set up to offer additional support to those injured as a result of the conflict and the families and dependants of those who have lost their lives."