Big-hearted residents will help put a smile on soldiers' faces this Christmas after generously donating to the Support our Soldiers present appeal.

Charity founder Karen Webster, of Bingley, has thanked people for donating treats for around 5,000 boxes to be shipped over to war-torn countries.

Mrs Webster won her fight for troops to receive free post earlier this month, but still has hundreds of the boxes to pack up by December 7.

But, she was given a few little helping hands this week when Bingley Army Cadets reported for packing duty.

About a dozen boys and girls showed off their wrapping skills and helped pack up hundreds of boxes.

Bingley Detachment Commander Staff Sergeant Kerry Naylor said: "The cadets really enjoyed themselves with this project.

"They know their help will mean a huge boost of morale to soldiers when they get these presents.

"The generosity of people who have donated all these gifts makes a huge statement, many of the boxes have hand written messages inside for the recipient, full of hope and prayers of their safe return."

Mrs Webster, who set up the Support Our Soldiers campaign while her son Nicky served with the Desert Rats in Iraq in 2003, said: "The cadets were tremendous. What they have done makes a difference and I think they enjoyed themselves as well.

"The response to the appeal has been tremendous that I have closed the appeal. I would like to thank everyone who has donated and helped, they have been fantastic. I know the troops will be delighted to know so many people are thinking about them."

She added: "I think the plight of soldiers has been highlighted lately, with the huge losses of life in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I think people are sitting up and paying attention and, while they may not support the reasons, they want to support the lads and lasses who are out there."

Mrs Webster now has the task of packing the boxes ready to be shipped abroad by the cut-off date of December 7. For more information, log on to supportoursoldiers.co.uk l Bingley Army Cadets are looking for new recruits. Boys and girls aged from 12 to 18 are welcome to join the group, which meets at Hillside Road, Bingley. For more information, email army.cadets@hotmail.co.uk or log on to www.yorksarmycadets.co.uk