Volunteers' Christmas boxes for military children

School children teamed up with soldiers to put together the care packages

"Christmas is really difficult when there's not someone sat at the dinning room table," said the founder of a charity that supports children with parents in the armed forces.

Louise Fetigan set up Little Troopers in 2011 and over the festive period her team of volunteers meets in Bovington Camp, Dorset to make thousands of "Christmas Smiles" boxes for military children.

She said: "This just spreads a little bit of Christmas joy, but also within the boxes there's some tangible resources that will really help support those children through that separation period."

School pupils and military personnel were among the around 80 volunteers putting together the festive care packages.

The "Christmas Smiles" boxes require a military effort from the volunteers

Staff Sgt Jake Dalby was one of those who gave his time to make the presents.

He understands how challenging this time of year can be for the children but also those troops who are away from their loved ones.

"Last year I was out in Estonia and my daughter received a box," said Staff Sgt Jake Dalby.

He said keeping in contact with loved ones while away can be difficult but his wife said their daughter was "buzzing" with her gift box.

Volunteers in Dorset have made thousands of boxes for this Christmas

The boxes for 2025 have been collected by local army units, ready for delivery in time for Christmas.

Each one contained craft activities, affirmation cards, postcards, poems and "Christmas goodies".