FOR most people Christmas is a time to be with families. It’s about gathering together with the ones they love.

But for hundreds of families of serving soldiers it is a time when relatives who are abroad are missed more than ever.

One East Lancashire mum said she has the best present of all after receiving the news that her son, Levi McNamara, will be back with his family for the festive period after returning from his base in Cyprus.

The 20-year-old has seen active service on the front line in Afghanistan this year. Mum Michelle acknowledges that she is lucky to have him home safe and well when family means the most.

That’s why she is backing the charity Support Our Soldiers which provides so much help to those who are away from home.

Her case highlights the importance of charities like Save Our Soldiers. Michelle and her colleagues at Accrington Victoria Hospital have collected parcels to be sent to Afghanistan containing presents and other goodies.

Recently the same spirit was shown in Great Harwood when hundreds of the parcels were sent to Afghanistan.

Brave members of the armed forces deserve to be strongly supported for the sacrifices they are making.