THERE has been an overwhelming response to a recent appeal in Tavistock to support British troops serving in the Gulf.
A staggering 55 boxes and 26 packets containing toiletries, sweets, biscuits and other useful items, have been sent to the Gulf by Tavistock Post Office.
The goods were donated by generous customers responding to the appeal by staff at the post office.
People were invited to drop items into a large box placed on the counter, and the total weight of donations was around 160kg.
The total cost of postage and packing was £430, which was met by local businesses.
Postal officer Mary Matthews, who originally had the idea for the collection, said she and the other staff were extremely grateful to everybody who had donated ? and to the many businesses who had contributed to the postage costs.
Jennie Read of Tavistock, whose son Rupert is serving in Iraq, said she was extremely grateful to everyone involved in the appeal.
She said: ?I would genuinely like to express my gratitude to the Post Office, particularly Mary Matthews who came up with the idea, the Tavistock Times for publicising it, and of course the good people of Tavistock for rallying so splendidly.
?It might be a while before the troops are back in the UK and able to express their thanks in person, but I know from Rupert?s letters that they really appreciate all the support.?