A MUM is determined to give soldiers in Afghanistan a bit of festive cheer after finding out she is getting her dream Christmas present.

Michelle McNamara knows only too well what a kind thought from home can mean to those out in the front line, as her son Levi, 20, has been fighting in Afghanistan.

But the 45-year-old has received the best present of all after finding out that Levi, whose father and grandfather also served in the Army, will be home for Christmas.

Michelle, an occupational therapist with NHS East Lancashire’s Community Health Service team, has been busy in his absence.

She started collecting shoe boxes full of ‘goodies’ to send out to the troops last month.

Her colleagues and staff at Accrington Victoria Community Hospital rallied round and now more than 40 Christmas boxes will be sent out from East Lancashire.

Michelle, of Meadows Drive, Loveclough, said: “He’s served with the 2nd Batallion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment in Afghanistan and then went to Cyprus.

"But he’s back in East Lancashire on leave over the Christmas period.

“When I thought of the others who will have to be out there on duty, I thought it would be nice to send them something to show we are thinking of them.

“It started as a small thing but it has grown and grown.

"My colleagues wanted to help, then the porters at Accy Vic, then the kitchen and domestic staff, in fact everyone has pitched in.”

The decorated boxes contain items ranging from toiletries and socks to lots of chocolates and Christmas hats and tinsel.

If you would like to send gifts to the troops visit www.supportoursoldiers.co.uk for more details.