AS champagne corks pop and we celebrate another new year, many of you are sparing a thought for the brave men and women serving their country over the Christmas and New Year period … particularly in Afghanistan and Iraq.

AS champagne corks pop and we celebrate another new year, many of you are sparing a thought for the brave men and women serving their country over the Christmas and New Year period … particularly in Afghanistan and Iraq.

As we enjoy the frivolity of the passing of another year, messages of cheer from Evening Star readers have been boosting our heroes who are apart from their loved ones and families at this special time of year.

Allan McClure, uncle of Aaron McClure who was killed in a “friendly fire” incident in Afghanistan's Helmand Province, in August 2007, while serving with the 1st Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment, has posted a poignant message to back our brave troops.

He wrote: “This message is sent with heartfelt love for all of you serving in Afghanistan and all of the families left at home. As we spend our Christmas with the ones we love, watching rubbish TV and telling not funny jokes from Christmas crackers, the thoughts from the McClure family are constantly with you all.

“Everyone is behind you all. We understand the sacrifices being made and the hurt and the loss that you feel, we feel it too. Keep safe and with God's will you will all return to your families.”

Meanwhile, another wished the troops well and was hoping they could be bought home soon away from enemy fire.

Signed by Lou it reads: “Wishing you all well and I hope the government pulls you all out and brings you home where you belong. Let's hope for no more deaths in a war that's not ours to fight. The US started it - let them finish it!”

Ex-servicemen, strangers and friends have all left heart-warming messages of goodwill on the Star's website to more than 1,000 servicemen and women.

If you would like to leave a message of support to our troops, visit www.eveningstar.co.uk/ourheroes

Are you serving in Afghanistan? Have you been touched by readers' messages of support? Write to Your