The Government has given its strongest hint yet that it will introduce a free postal service for the armed forces, saying it is "technically and logistically feasible" to operate a scheme proposed by a Bingley mum.

Karen Webster, whose son Nicky served with the Desert Rats in Iraq, has repeatedly called on the Government to re-introduce a free postal system similar to the one it ran during the Gulf War.

The service, which originated as a morale booster for troops in Iraq, came to an end in 2004 although as a concession the Government allows free post in the run-up to Christmas.

Mrs Webster had suggested allowing two parcels to be sent each month, within a certain specified weight, operated under a voucher scheme. The Telegraph & Argus can reveal the scheme moved a step closer last night after Defence minister Adam Ingram, in a letter to Shipley MP Philip Davies, accepted the move was possible and would cost £2m a year.

He said the cost should not be at the expense of anything else in the Operation Welfare package - which includes books, magazines, unlimited free e-mails and access to entertainment including British Forces Broadcasting and limited free phone calls per week.

The letter said: "My staff are therefore seeking to identify any alternative sources of funding."

Both Mrs Webster and Mr Davies had lobbied the minister on the matter.

Mrs Webster said: "It seems very hopeful and looks as though it could go ahead. This is the biggest boost we have had to the campaign so far.

"It is now a case of wait and see."

Mr Davies said the pair suggested that if the Government examined the current usage and how often people sent packages, a scheme would work because most people would only send out two parcels a month, meaning it would be easier operationally to transport the packages to the troops.

He said: "Adam Ingram has taken it seriously which is really good. There has not been a commitment to do it but it has been a promising interim letter."

Mrs Webster runs a website which provides support for the country's serving men and women and their families at home by practical means, including care packages and writing to deployed personnel.

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