BRITISH troops in Afghanistan have thanked a Bolton services veteran who organised for hundreds of gift boxes to be sent to them in time for Christmas.

Jack Dixon launched an appeal in The Bolton News for donations to buy essential items, such as toothpaste, deodorant and boiled sweets, for soldiers on the front line.

Mr Dixon, who is chairman of the Bolton branch of the Royal Artillery Association, was overwhelmed by people’s generosity.

He received a total of £1,750 — there was even a donation from a Boltonian in Italy who read about it in the paper.

Now, the parcels are in the hands of grateful soldiers from 29 Commando, which is part of the Lancashire regiment of the Royal Artillery, and includes several soldiers from Bolton.

In a letter to Mr Dixon, Ian Bertram, the unit’s Second Lieutenant, said: “I am writing to thank you on behalf of the troops for the welfare package we received. It really means a lot to the lads and the toiletries and other goodies were very warmly received.

“It’s little gifts like these that make life that little bit more bearable.”

Lt Bertram and his men are stationed in a forward operating base in Musa Qala in the country’s Helmand Province.

They often spend weeks at a time on missions.

Water is scarce and food comes in freeze-dried ration packs.

Mr Dixon, who served in the British Army in the jungles of Asia after the Second World War, said it was home comforts, such as toilet rolls, shower gel and sweets, that soldiers really missed.

He said: “It will hopefully boost their morale and make them realise that people back home are thinking about them.”

Sgt Nick Middleton, who is part of 29 Commando and currently training Territorial Army members at the TA Centre in Nelson Street, Bolton, said: “The lads love the sweets and toffees, especially when you might not even have time to heat your rations up.

“The donations have really helped with morale.”

Mr Dixon started the appeal in October and, with the help of wife Lilly and friends Keith and Ann Moss, put together 200 parcels by the end of the month and sent a further 300 in time for Christmas.

One elderly woman donated £5 in memory of her husband who died in the Second World War, apologising for not being able to afford more.

Another woman from Bromley Cross gave £100 in memory of her father, who served in the Royal Horse Artillery. Several Bolton companies also pledged significant sums and a man who lives in Italy, but still gets The Bolton News, sent a cheque for £25.

Mr Dixon said he had been touched by people’s generosity and vowed to keep the parcels flowing.

He said: “I was surprised when I got the one from Italy. It’s amazing. I’ve been tremendously touched and am grateful to everyone who has supported the appeal.

“As long as there is money there, we will keep doing it so more soldiers benefit.”

To support Mr Dixon’s appeal, write to: 4 Woodland Close, Breightmet, Bolton, BL2 5DN.