SOLDIERS serving in Afghanistan have sent messages home to their families in North Yorkshire and the East Riding of Yorkshire this Christmas.

The messages have been sent from numerous bases in Afghanistan from soldiers from York, Pocklington, Tadcaster, Harrogate, Topcliffe and Thirsk.

Trooper James Clough, from York, who is serving in Main Operating Base Price in Helmand Province, said: “Merry Christmas to everyone at home. Mum I love you, Rachel I love you and I miss you and Pheobe, daddy loves you.”

Lance Corporal Joe Campbell, from Pocklington, serving in Forward Operating Base Oulette in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand Province, said: “I am wishing everyone a merry Christmas. Look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.”

Major David Nuttall, from Topcliffe, North Yorkshire, also working in Forward Operating Base Oulette, said: “I send lots of love to my wife Sally and my two girls, Sophia and Millie. I hope you have a lovely Christmas and I will see you all soon.”

Trooper Joshua Edwards, from Tadcaster, serving with the Nes District Advisory Team, said: “Merry Christmas and a happy New Year to my friends and family back home. Look forward to seeing you on R and R.”

Captain Tom Bird, from Ripon, serving with 1 SCOTS in Forward Operating Base Sparta, said: “Wishing friends and family a merry Christmas and a happy New Year from PB Sparta, especially my wife, Jo.”

Captain William Theakston, from Harrogate, in Forward Operating Base Oulette, said: “Wishing everyone at home a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year. Thank you to my parents, sister and grandmother all in Harrogate for sending parcels to keep me and the team going. My girlfriend Hannah, you have been a star – I can’t wait to see you soon. And lastly thanks to Victoria at Taylor’s Coffee for sending out some coffee.”

Sergeant Brett Wilkes, from Thirsk, serving in Camp Bastion, said: “Merry Christmas to my wife Jenna and children Josh, Ryan, Arran and Teeganne and friends in Thirsk. Wishing you a very merry Xmas and a happy New Year. Love you loads.”