The Royal British Legion group raised £1,200 to be spent on the marines and navy personnel. Cdr Rob Stephens said he asked the squadrons what they wanted and they all said hard boiled sweets as they did not melt and "reminded them of home"Comfort eating Cdr Stephens said the Royal Navy air personnel would fly the sweets to the marines and ground crews on the frontline. "There's nothing better to see than the army chaps boarding the aircraft and the aircrew saying do you fancy a sweet?," he said. "It's not as comfortable as being on a BA flight but it's great to see their faces of appreciation."

Fundraiser Tony Goddard, 66, said he was surprised they wanted sweets as previously they had asked for old TVs and radios. But he said the troops had since told him that it was really comforting to be able to dip into their pockets while on the battlefield and to pull out a sweet as it reminded them of home.

An appeal for help from the chaplain with the Royal Marines on the front line "Hi everyone. Hello from a rather cold Afghanistan. Could I make a request from the Chaplaincy here for the Royal Marines? We are asking for books and sweeties for the lads from supporters at home. There is a lack of books and sweets always go down well. If you feel able, could you please ask among your friends if anyone has old paperbacks that the lads might like to read - anything really except Mills and Boon romances... Also sweeties - the sort that come individually wrapped - like boiled sweets." Packets less than 2kg are posted free from any UK post office. If you can help, please ask folk to post any of the above to, Rev Peter Scott, Chaplain, Cdo Log Regt Royal Marines, Bastion, BFPO792. (Tell them not to write the final desination anywhere on the address)" Many thanks indeed