BRITISH troops in Afgh-anistan are being sent gifts and gadgets, thanks to the generosity of the public.

The Worcester branch of SSAFA (Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association) Forces Help has welcomed a new scheme that encourages people to send goodwill parcels to serving soldiers by donating money.

The Operational Welfare Fund, launched by the Ministry of Defence this month, means that for the first time men and women deployed on operations will be given the opportunity to decide what the money raised for them through the public donations will be spent on.

Christine Spencer, divisional secretary of Worcester City SSAFA Forces Help, said: “We’ve been getting phone calls from so many people.

“They’ve been asking how they can help.

“What’s so good about this fund is that soldiers can use the money to buy what they want.”

Items being shipped to Afghanistan include portable DVD players and games consoles. The aim is to improve the quality of downtime.

“It’s something to take their minds off what they are going through,” said Mrs Spencer.

While the MOD is keen to thank members of the public who have sent parcels to service personnel, it stressed that donating to the Operational Welfare Fund is a much more effective way of supporting troops.

In previous years, the sheer number of goodwill parcels has swamped the operational mail system and resulted in all-important personal mail – letters and personal gifts from families – being significantly delayed.

Vice-Admiral Peter Wilkin-son, deputy chief of the defence staff, said: “We are extremely grateful for the levels of support currently being demonstrated from all walks of society which provide a telling testimony to the respect and affection in which our Armed Forces are held. Such support means a great deal to service personnel, particularly those on operations. The generosity and heartfelt support of communities at home is important in keeping up morale, often in very difficult conditions.

“If people could instead donate to the new SSAFA Operational Welfare Fund, their generosity will go much, much further and without the unintended side-effects of delaying personal mail.”

To donate, call SSAFA headquarters on 0207 4639225 or send cheques payable to SSAFA Operational Welfare Fund to SSAFA Forces Help, Freepost Nat 19507, London, SE1 2BR.