MESSAGES of support for Suffolk troops serving abroad this festive season are today continuing to pour in.

MESSAGES of support for Suffolk troops serving abroad this festive season are today continuing to pour in.

There are more than 100 troops from Suffolk who missed Christmas at home with their loved ones and are set to see in the New Year without family as they serve their country in war-torn Afghanistan.

To show they are not forgotten during the Yule Tide celebrations, The Evening Star urged readers to pen messages to our troops.

The uncle of Private Aaron McClure, an Ipswich soldier who was killed while serving in Afghanistan in August 2007, was among those who left a touching message of support.

He said: “Just thought I'd drop a note just to say thank you.

“You all may be on the other side of the world, but believe me when I say that there are an awful lot of people thinking of you this Christmas.

“You are all in my prayers even though I'm not religious. Stay safe.”

There are around 150 soldiers from the 4 Regiment Army Air Corps, based in Wattisham, who need your best wishes and blessings as they face spending this festive season in dangerous conditions.

By sending a 'bluey', so-called because of the blue aerogrammes traditionally sent to those in the armed forces, it will make such a difference and give them a vital morale boost at this time of year, which can be a lonely period away from family and friends.

We will publish your messages of support for all the servicemen and women abroad and we will also keep you up-to-date with their feedback.

If you would like to leave a message for the troops, visit www.eveningstar.co.uk/blueys

Do you know someone fighting abroad? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN, or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Well done lads, keep your chins up and remember we are thinking of you and wish you all a safe posting and a happy return to those you love.

Tony, Needham Market

God bless you all over there - you are doing a great job and as usual with no complaints. To be away from friends and family at this time of the year is very hard but just remember we all support you and really want to thank you for the good job you are doing.

May the New Year bring a little more peace in our world. God bless you all and keep safe x

Dawn, Felixstowe

For everyone who is out there fighting for our country, words cannot express how proud we are of you and not a single day goes by without thinking of you all. Every one of you is a hero and wearing my help for heroes wristband every day reminds me how much you have given up and the danger you face constantly but I hope it reminds other people I encounter to think of you, too. Hope to see you all home safely soon. Love to you all x

Emily L K D

I hope you have a good Christmas. You all make your family, your friends, and your country proud. Keep up the good work!

Lucy, Ipswich

I hope you all know what your service to this country means to us. The little acts of bravery and the bigger ones, and even the day-to-day grind of life away from home. Thank you for putting so much on the line for our country. You are not forgotten. Warmest best wishes this Christmas.

Tam, Cornwall