Fontwell remembers those in the front line

The generous residents of Westergate House Care Home have donated a range of goods to soldiers fighting in Afghanistan and Iraq.

They have collected 12kg of gifts so far to make the troops' life in the combat conditions more bearable. The goods sent to the soldiers by the 73 men and women include toiletries such as toothpaste and razors to help make up for the lack of everyday hygiene facilities, biscuits and heated food such as instant soups.

Philipa Lake, the home's manager, said: 'Our residents and their relatives are very keen about collecting the goods.

'We've had some excellent feedback from the soldiers writing to thank people for their interest in them.

'This is not about politics at all. It's about supporting our troops serving abroad. It lets them know we are thinking about them.'

The latest batch of parcels were presented to Naomi Wort and Sue Smith from thanktheforces.com.

The friends set up the organisation after they met during a campaign last year to provide free post to British forces overseas.

They both had children serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and wanted to use the free post, which was granted last November, to ensure as many troops as possible could benefit from people's goodwill.

They have collected more than 900 gift boxes. Each weighs the 2kg limit for the free postal service.

Their efforts will be helped by the decision to allow the care home, in Denmans Lane, to be used as a drop-off point for thanktheforces.com.

Anyone who would like to send items to the armed forces oversees can just take it along.

A room has been designated for donations and they will be collected by thanktheforces.com.