TROOPS in Afghanistan will be bowled over by the support of cricketers on Portland.

On Wednesday August 26 a team from the Red Triangle Cricket club will go head to head with a military team in order to raise funds and awareness for the Echo’s Treats for Troops campaign.

The Portland cricket club has organised a 20-20 match and a family fun evening at their grounds near Weston.

The whole community has pitched in with the George pub putting on a barbecue afterwards with AA Eyecare sponsoring a barrel of beer.

Club secretary Grant Neven said he wanted to organise the event to show their support for the troops on the frontline.

He said: “We just wanted to do something because we realise the hardship some of the troops are experiencing and that they’re fighting in pretty grim conditions.

“They need all the support and help they can get from the public.

“We’re hoping the event will be a fun night for everyone and a good game to watch.”

The George landlord Geoff Daniels added: “I think the guys in Afghanistan have a hard time living off of rations.

“I think the campaign is a wonderful idea to spice their life up a little bit and hopefully receiving the items in the shoebox will just help to take their stress away for a while.

“I hope it will make them feel that the public are supporting them and make what hey are doing more worthwhile and that they are not fighting for politicians but for the public.”

Military chaplain of 45 Commando the Rev Bill Gates, of Portland, will be putting together a military team to play the Portland cricketers.

He returned from a tour in Afghanistan in April and said he wanted to play in the match to back the campaign. He added: “It was a real lift when we were sent out anything and it’s important for the people out there to know they are not forgotten. It’s quite an isolated place to be so to get things from home is invaluable.”

Everyone is welcome to the cricket match that will start at 5pm and finish around 8pm and there will be a barbecue.

The Echo team and councillor Molly Rennie will be there to collect shoeboxes and gift items.

If you can get involved with the Treats for Troops cricket match please contact Grant on 07887 943621.

How you can help

What to put in: Biscuits, wet wipes, fruity chewy sweets, small bottles of ketchup or barbecue sauce, Tabasco sauce, Lucozade sachets, puzzle and crossword books, make-up products, chewing gum and mints, letters, travel games, packs of playing cards, pots of long life fruit in jelly, lip salve, coffee and cappuccino sachets, moisturising lotion, magazines, custard and rice pudding, long-life food, small packets of dried fruit, dried nuts, American hard gums, Calypso juices, variety cereal packs, foot gel or powder.

What not to put in: Chocolate, aerosols, alcohol, perfumed soap, anything that will melt, heavy items, batteries.

*Remember, there is a weight re-striction of two kilos.

Collection bin locations

Weymouth: Dorset Echo headquarters, Granby Industrial Estate; Superdrug, New Bond Street; Asda, Newstead Road, Morrisons, Dorchester Road; WH Smith, St Mary Street; Boots, St. Mary Street; Value House, Wyke Regis; Wilkinsons, Westham Road; Rieker Shoes, St Thomas Street; Littlemoor Hardware; Tesco Express. Dorchester: Dorset Echo, Antelope Walk; Dorset County Council, Collition Park; Superdrug, South Street; Wellworths, South Street; Tesco, Weymouth Avenue; WH Smiths, South Street; SCATS Countrystore; Mousetrap. Bridport: Bridport News office, East Street. PORTLAND: Codfathers Fish & Chips; Hairstudio; George Inn.