RATHER than decking the halls with boughs of holly this Christmas, British troops on fighting duty are asking for a ready supply of Union flags to cheer up their billet.

David Harrison and partner Jan Fowler have been collecting goods and filling parcels for the troops in Afghanistan for two-and-a-half years.

They are planning to wind down their operations in the new year, having already sent a staggering 1,863 packets which have been filled with troops’ requests.

Among the more unusual items sent out have been a children’s paddling pool (to sit in and keep cool), volleyballs, and woolly hats to keep out the bitter Afghan winter.

However, the latest request for flags has prompted David and Jan to again turn to the readers of the Worcester News for help in sourcing the colours.

“The best we can offer at the moment is some bunting left over from the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee – so that isn’t going to cut it,” said Miss Fowler.

In a letter from Helmand, where soldiers are battling the Taliban, a soldier, who is with 21 Engineer Regiment, asks: “Would it be possible if you could send out a Union Jack big flag?

“No worries, if not.

“It’s just that we’ve decided to decorate our living quarters to make it more homely and more British, well – as British as we can!”

He also thanked the couple for previous parcels, which included woolly hats.

“The parcels really do help lift morale massively,” he said.

“The weather out here is gradually turning wintry.

“The woolly hats you sent are brilliant.”

Now David and Jan are asking for flags from the public, so they can pack them off and send them to the soldiers.

“Although we’ve had this one request, we’ll send back as many flags as we get,” he said.

“We send out dozens of parcels to different units every month, as we’ve always done, and I’m sure they’ll be grateful.”

To donate call 01905 828107, e-mail davidthomasharrison@hotmail.com or call in at 8 Brookend Lane, Kempsey.