Nigel Adams is backing calls from the Selby Hands of Hope charity, of which he is Patron, to forces families to let the charity know what home comforts their loved ones are missing whilst away from home, so gift parcels can be sent to them whilst they are serving our country abroad

The charity set up by local well known fundraiser, Wendy Singh and backed by local newspaper, the Selby Times is inviting families of troops abroad to tell them some of the items they are missing most to enable parcels to be made up to send to those in Afghanistan, Iraq and other troublespots.

Wendy Singh said suggestions could include such items as teabags, coffee, baked beans and other foodstuffs, while all parcels will also include a copy of their favourite weekly read.

"SHOH feels troops abroad are perhaps not recognised and helped enough," she said. "They do such an important job and it would be nice to remind them of home, and for us to help in any way we can.

"We would like to send these brave heroes our thanks and a taste of home. To this end, we need the families of those serving abroad to suggest some items we might include in parcels to be sent to troops overseas.

"I'm aware home comforts mean such a lot when troops are so far from loved ones. Anything our brave boys and girls need we will endeavour to send."

Nigel added "This sort of initiative is fantastic and I hope that local firms and individuals come forward with offers of help and goods. And also, families of our troops abroad let us know what kind of home comforts they'd like, so we can get the parcels out to them"