It’s a wrap for a Bingley mum and her army of volunteers who have been sending parcel-loads of festive cheer to troops overseas.

Last month Karen Webster started her sixth Support Our Soldiers Christmas Appeal for well-wishers to donate seasonal gifts as a morale-boost for those serving away from home – and she has not been disappointed by the response.

In 2007, 15,351 gifts were sent abroad but, in agreement with the Ministry of Defence, it was agreed this year’s appeal should be limited to 12,000 so the postal system was not overwhelmed.

And reaching that target has been easy – the final amount that was dispatched in time for this Christmas Day was 11,956 parcels.

They are now on their way to serving men and women in Iraq, Afghanistan, the Falklands, Kosovo, Bosnia and on ships.

Mum-of-three Mrs Webster, whose own son is a former Desert Rat and served in Iraq in 2003, used about 8,000 feet of paper to wrap all the parcels from West Yorkshire with help of Bingley Detachment Army Cadets and other willing recruits.

Since the appeal first began in 2003 it has spread from its Bingley origins to include 66 other centres across the UK from Aberdeen to Penzance – last year 3,000 of the gifts sent came from West Yorkshire.

This year, a total of 1,435 parcels were donated by Bingley people: “We could have doubled that if we’d been allowed and there was no limit of parcel donations. But we are thrilled.

“It hasn’t been the easiest year and there are times when all the odds seemed against us. But one way or another we’ve overcome every hurdle and really are very proud that once again the appeal has been such a great success.

“Our sincere thanks go to everyone who’s contributed towards this and to our wonderful volunteers who have worked so very hard to ensure that the parcels went out on time. It’s a wonderful achievement and really will make a huge difference to the morale of our troops away from their families and friends this Christmas.”

Mrs Webster hopes, as a sign of support, people across the district and the whole country will join in their Candle of Hope appeal by lighting a candle at 2pm on Christmas Day to think about and remember all those away from home.

Anyone who wants to know more about the Support Our Soldiers appeal can log on to supportoursoldiers.co.uk.

The appeal is also in close touch with the Medical Centre in Afghanistan which has requested get well cards for the injured and sick there.

Anyone who wants to write a get well card or message should send them unsealed to: SOS Get Well Appeal, PO Box 70, Shipley, West Yorkshire, BD18 1BP.