by Lucy Buckland

lucy.buckland@essnmedia.co.uk

A former squaddie turned police officer is asking his community to help ship Christmas shoeboxes full of festive treats to our boys in Afghanistan.

PC George Booth, of the Coulsdon West Safer Neighbourhood Team, is appealing for people to donate socks, magazines, deodorant and savoury packet foods, such as Pot Noodles, so he can ship them over to Afghanistan.

He said: "It's quite a tough life out there and it is Christmas. Anything we can do to help give them a better, more comfortable Christmas is the least we can do."

PC Booth, who spent nine years in the Royal Signals before joining the police force, added: "We are looking at shower gel, shaving foam, bags of nuts, but no biscuits or sweets as they just get damaged."

Items not accepted include spray deodorants and fresh food.

PC Booth, who was stationed in Cyprus and Northern Ireland while in the army, wants people to get behind his campaign and hopes to send 50 boxes to Royal Signals' soldiers in Camp Bastion, with help from donations.

Trader Sonia Poleon, who owns Sole Lounge in Coulsdon, has offered her shop at 23, Chipstead Valley Road, as a drop-off point for items.

She said: "Our boys and girls out there need cheering up and I'll do anything I can to help. I just hope people get behind us and donate."

You can also drop your goods or shoeboxes off at the Advertiser office, near Centrale tram stop.

Our address is Jessop House, 100 Tamworth Road, Croydon.