Scores of messages of goodwill are today on their way to brave Suffolk serviceman currently fighting in Afghanistan.

SUFFOLK: Scores of messages of goodwill are today on their way to brave Suffolk serviceman currently fighting in Afghanistan.

To show our troops they are being thought of back home during the festive season, The Evening Star launched the Our Heroes campaign, allowing family, friends and the grateful public to let them know we are right behind them.

There are currently more than 1,000 Suffolk men and women risking their lives for their country in Afghanistan.

Among the messages left on the Our Heroes section of the Star website include a post from borough councillor Alasdair Ross, who spent seven months at the heart of the conflict.

The 47-year-old father-of-two returned to the army in April after seven years to join the Infantry Battalion, 2 Rifles as an operations warrant officer.

Flown in to the Upper Sangin valley, one of the key battlegrounds for British troops this summer, Mr Ross was influential in controlling troops and reacting to insurgent attacks.

Backing the campaign, Mr Ross wrote: “You're doing a great job and we are all proud of you.

“Keep your heads up, especially the lads of 3 Rifles in Sangin - my thoughts are with you.”

Support for the Star's Our Heroes campaign has come from senior army officers and soldiers based here and in Afghanistan.

The uncle of Private Aaron McClure, an Ipswich soldier with the 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment who was one of three soldiers killed in Helmand in August 2007, has also given his backing to the campaign.

To leave your messages of support visit www.eveningstar.co.uk, click on Our Heroes and leave your message.

Soldiers based in Afghanistan can then log on to the website to receive their messages in time for Christmas.

Are you a serving service man or woman? Tell us your story - write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

Your comments:

We are all thinking of you and pray that you come back safe. To all the people from Holywells High School currently on deployment have a happy Christmas and stay safe - we are all proud of you.

Marian Kirkham

Message for Chief Petty Officer David Alcock with the Joint Helicopter Force at Camp Bastion - seconded from 845 Squadron, RNAS Yeovilton, Somerset.

I would just like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year and I will of course be thinking of you in Debenham on Christmas Day and looking forward to your homecoming at the end of January.

Eddy Alcock

Happy Christmas to all those serving in Afghanistan. Sending my love to my boyfriend, Simon Smith of 1rtr d sqn. Looking forward to seeing him in March when our baby girl is born. Love you lots. Stay safe and keep your chin up.

Nikita Bones

As a long service soldier (30 years) in the RASC/RCT, my thoughts and prayers are with all of our service men and women no matter where they are serving.

I am proud of you and I support you 100 per cent. Have a very happy Christmas and a safe and prosperous New Year. Please be safe and come home soon to be reunited with your family, friends and loved ones.

Brian Gissing

Just to let you all know that we are thinking of you and appreciate what you are doing...stay safe and try to have a good festive time.

Carolyn Barwick, Ipswich