Big response to troops appeal

We've had an overwhelming response to our request for supplies and gifts for us to ship out to our troops which has far exceeded expectations.

Our Sackville Road office has been swamped with well-wishers dropping off essentials and luxuries ranging from soap to sweets since we launched the Supporting Our Troops campaign last Friday.

An amazing 150 shoe boxes have been collected across the Observer region.

The first consignments were sent to the Gulf yesterday to the brave soldiers whose families have contacted the Observer. They are Trooper Joe Belton, Corporal John Clarke, Private Darren Cruttenden, Sapper Kevin Farrise, Sapper Robin Mitchell-Davis and Lance Corporal Toby O'Connor.

They can either keep them of share them with colleagues or liberated Iraqis.

A wide cross-section of readers responded to our request from 10-year-olds to nonagenarians. Most donors said it was their small way of showing their support for British armed forces in Iraq.

Among items donated are toiletries such as foot creams and powders, magazines, sweets, socks tinned and dried foods and messages of support. Thoughtful shoppers at Sainsburys have also filled two huge boxes with supplies.