IT may only be summer, but Bolton people and businesses are already being called to help ensure soldiers in Afghanistan enjoy some festive cheer.

Bolton veteran Jack Dixon has revealed the cupboard is bare with no money or goods left to fill home comfort boxes shipped out to soldiers.

Mr Dixon, of the Royal Artillery Association, said: “This week we are going to spend our last few hundred pounds to fill the last 50 boxes to take the total up to 500.

“This will ensure everyone in the Royal Artillery will receive a box but it will be the least number of boxes we have sent since we started.

“Usually soldiers in other regiments also receive a comfort box because of the amount we send.

“But this year as it stands we can only supply members of our own regiment.” Mr Dixon, who lives in Breightmet , praised the generosity of local people for donating items and cash worth more £100,000 since the shipments started in 2007.

He said: “The people have been fantastic to keep supporting the appeal for so many years.

“I would really like local businesses to come on board, particularly card manufactures, so we can send out Christmas cards.

“The Lions Club has now offered to help with the appeal. It means so much to the servicemen and women to receive the comfort boxes.

“I have received letters thanking the people of Bolton. The boxes will be sent in the first two weeks of December so there is time to fill more boxes.”

They contain everyday necessities such as toothpaste and shower gel plus plenty of goodies, and cup-a-soups are very popular.

l Donations can be sent to Mr Dixon, Bolton Royal Artillery Association, Nelson Street, Bolton BL3 2JW. Contact: 01204 531101.