OKEHAMPTON Air Cadets Squadron will be holding a parcel collection to help equip the armed forces in Afghanistan with the essentials they are lacking.

The cadets are looking for simple donations, which the forces are most in need of. These include, toothbrushes and bathroom products, pens, pencils, socks and sweets.

They are also looking for empty shoe-boxes and for shops in Okehampton to support their cause by putting boxes out for donations. The cadets will also be selling Hero bands and car stickers.

Each cadet will send their box of donations, along with a personalised Christmas card, with their name and address, asking for the soldier who receives it to become his or her pen pal.

The event is on Saturday, November 21 from 10am onwards in the Red Lion Yard, under a gazebo. Any shops who want to help out can phone Toni Sibley on 0781 603 10 65.