Derby locals asked to support soldiers with messages

Residents in Derbyshire are being asked to support soldiers by writing an encouraging message to the troops.

The Derby Telegraph and ThisisDerbyshire have teamed up to launch a campaign, which invites all readers to note down their words of support.

Some 200 soldiers from the region's cavalry regiment have just been sent to Helmand Province and it will be the first time the team have toured Afghanistan.

The publication notes: "100 soldiers from Squadron A will become the Formation Reconnaissance Squad tasked with patrolling and protecting Highway One, the main ring road that serves the country."

Writing to the brave men and women who are undertaking the mission could be a real boost to the members of the armed forces.

Another way to back the troops is to complete fundraising efforts, such as the unusual task being undertaken by members of Barrascuba Diving School, who are set to undertake an underwater ironing event to raise funds for Help for Heroes, Peterborough Today reports.

Posted by Samantha Thompson