VILLAGERS of Arkesden and Clavering have backed an appeal to support soldiers based in Afghanistan. The campaign to collect paperback books and sweets for the Royal Marines and Engineers at Carver Barracks serving at Camp Bastion in Helmand Province has t

VILLAGERS of Arkesden and Clavering have backed an appeal to support soldiers based in Afghanistan.

The campaign to collect paperback books and sweets for the Royal Marines and Engineers at Carver Barracks serving at Camp Bastion in Helmand Province has tugged on the strings of local residents.

A collection point at the Axe and Compasses in Arkesden raised over 80 books and many pounds of sweets in just one day.

So far, 25 packages containing over 150 paperback novels and several pounds of boiled sweets have been sent to Camp Bastion, many accompanied by notes from the donors wishing the servicemen well.

Capt Peter Scott, Chaplain, Royal Marines, and RSM Justin Dare, 33 Regiment, Royal Engineers - both based at Camp Bastion - said in a joint statement: "We are asking for books or wrapped sweets for the lads from friends in the UK.

"There is a lack of books, and sweets always go down well - the sort that come wrapped, like boiled sweets. They are handy to pop in your pockets when on patrol. "And any books you think the lads would like to read, apart from Mills and Boon!"

A spokesman for the appeal said that more contributions are needed for a collection point at the Nisa Store, Stortford Road, Clavering. The point will be there until August 3.

"We need used paperback novels and boiled sweets. Show our Armed Forces you care by writing a short note which will be enclosed with your gift - this is very important for their morale particularly those who come from families not so closely knit as many of ours," the spokesman added.

Any books sent out will be passed around among all Armed Forces at the camp and will not necessarily remain with the two regiments.

Pictured From left, Nisa store owner Muru Visana, Clavering resident Louise Kimberley, family welfare officer Gau Gurung, RSM Justin Spreadborough, HIVE information officer Nichola Evans and Staff Sergeant Garath Evans with the book and sweet bin Picture: MEB_270709_Books

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