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From left, British Legion treasurer Margaret Russell, member Anita Williams, social secretary Ellie Bland and president Paddy Croxford

MUM-of-two Anita Williams was determined her soldier son would celebrate Easter despite being in Afghanistan - and so she has sent him enough eggs for the whole regiment.

Mrs Williams, of Herons Close in Calne, said: "I decided to send the whole regiment eggs because they are all like brothers out there."

Her son, Nathan, 28, a corporal with the Welsh Fusiliers, is on his second deployment to Afghanistan.

Now Mrs Williams, whose husband used to be in the RAF, has got the whole town involved in sending treats to the troops since sending her first shoebox when Nathan was first sent to Afghanistan.

She said: "It is important because it lifts morale and puts a smile on their faces.

"As well as Easter eggs I send sachets of curry, Pot Noodles and crisps because they are on rations. Some of the guys don't have family or their parents are dead. They are together out there and are like a big family.

"When Nathan first went he was a bit upset but I know when he gets out there they all pull together.

"At the moment morale is a bit low because one Nathan's friends has just been injured so it will take a bit of time for them to get back to normal."

Mrs Williams got special dispensation from the regiment to send the 30 eggs to Nathan, 28, because the troops are not normally allowed to receive chocolate because it might melt.

Following Mrs William's initiative, the Calne branch of the Royal British Legion launched a Treats for Troops campaign.

Community groups across the town have joined in and are donating luxuries and packing shoeboxes.

The British Legion is still calling for people to donate anything from packs of chewing gum and biscuits to new underwear and razors.

Branch chairman John Ireland said: "All the other community groups in Calne are getting behind this campaign and the British Legion is attracting new members.

"People are donating perfectly decorated boxes with notes in them which is fantastic."

British Legion branch secretary Ellie Bland suggested sending non-chocolate foil packed biscuits, gum, Werthers Originals, cotton underwear, roll-on deodorant and non aerosol shaving cream. Lads' magazines and alcohol are banned.

Items can be delivered to Mrs Bland's clothes shop, Sophisticats at Beach Terrace, Calne

11:38am Thursday 6th March 2008

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