TROOPS in Dorchester are urging the public to back our shoebox appeal and send out morale boosting treats to their comrades in Afghanistan.

Members of the public and businesses are being urged to come forward to support the troops on the frontline by donating goodies for the Echo’s Treats for Troops campaign.

The Echo has joined forces with Councillor Molly Rennie’s Dorchester shoebox appeal to send as many parcels as possible to named soldiers in the Middle East.

Captain Sid Cobbald of Dorchester’s Territorial Army base said: “Any parcel received when you are out there is a morale booster and can help improve life out there.

“The feedback from soldiers has been very positive showing what a great appeal it is.”

The soldiers from Corunna Company 6th Battalion Rifles held up the Treats for Troops signs at their base in Dorchester where some of the soldiers have just returned from Afghanistan.

The whole community has got involved in the campaign by donating boxes this week to Dorset Echo offices or around Dorchester and Weymouth in designated collection points.

If you want to pack a shoebox it only take minutes to fill it with items that make a big difference to servicemen and women living on rations in the Middle East.

Letters have been pouring into the Echo from soldiers saying thanks and to express what a difference the boxes have made to their lives.

n If you know someone who is serving in Iraq or Afghanistan and would like a box contact Miriam Phillips on 01305 830985 or email miriam.phillips@dorsetecho.co.uk