Little Troopers calendar shows cute Forces kids

Pictures taken for a new charity calendar have shown the great relationship between children and parents who are serving in the Armed Forces. The charity Little Troopers arranged a national competition to find 15 photos to form the calendar, with over 500 images being entered. 

The images show something about the experience of families with a parent serving away from home as part of the Forces. According to the charity, there are more than 150,000 children who have at least one parent serving in the British Armed Forces and who could end up being away from home for up to nine months out of a year.

Each of the moving photos tells a story about a military family and gives some insight into what it is like for children when their parents are away from home. 

Little Troopers' founder, Louise Fetigan said: "This is the charity's fifth calendar, but the first to have photos from all three of our Armed Forces. 

"The pictures show many of the emotions experienced by a military family from waving goodbye to daddy's ship, the happiness when they come home and the tough times while they are away.

"We are lucky to share some very special moments with our families through these images; it is a great privilege." 

The photo that won first place and will be featured for April is of Harvey-Logan Holt, who was aged just one at the time. It shows him wearing his dad's RAF hat. 

Other photos include three-year-old Molly Frere standing between her dad's empty riding boots, which almost dwarf her, and giving her best cheesy grin. 

One of the most moving photos is off Olivia (seven), Sophie (five) and Imogen (three) Broome. The three girls have their backs to the camera waving to the HMS Portland, which is sailing away with their dad on board until spring 2017. 

The proceeds from the calendar – it costs just £9.99 – go to the charity, which supports the children of British serving men and women. You can buy the calendar here