DARWEN and Rossendale MP Janet Anderson has backed a call for free mailing for relatives sending Christmas presents to members of the armed forces.

Mrs Anderson has added her support to a Parliamentary motion calling on the Government to relax the postal costs during the Christmas period.

Last year relatives of members of the armed forces serving overseas could send parcels for free at Christmas time.

The idea is so that relatives can send Christmas cards and presents to their loved ones who are spending Christmas away from home.

The MP said: "The government did extend this service to families of our armed forces serving overseas last year and I do hope they will do so again.

"It is a small gesture but an important one during the festive season."

The motion also calls for a review to reduce further the cost of sending family parcels to British personnel serving overseas at all times when they are on active service.

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