Carwyn Jones' Christmas aid pledge to Welsh forces

Members of the 1st Battalion The Royal Welsh in Afghanistan in February 2010

First Minister Carwyn Jones has pledged to improve the support offered to armed forces personnel and their families.

He makes the comments in a message for British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) to be heard on Christmas Day.

He pledged more Welsh government support in areas like health and housing and said the forces "deserve nothing less".

The message will be broadcast to the Falklands Islands, Cyprus, Germany, Brunei and Afghanistan.

Mr Jones said: "In Wales we want to demonstrate our gratitude for the work being done by the armed forces by improving the support we provide to the armed forces community.

"The Welsh government is increasing the support we provide to those currently serving and veterans in key areas including health care, housing and education.

"I want to make sure serving personnel, as well as their families, have all the help available and suffer no disadvantage."