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| Version 1 | Version 2 |
|---|---|
| Postage-free packages for troops | Postage-free packages for troops |
| (about 12 hours later) | |
| Postage is to be free for parcels sent to British troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Royal Mail has announced. | Postage is to be free for parcels sent to British troops in Afghanistan and Iraq, the Royal Mail has announced. |
| "Royal Mail wants to see frontline troops get as much support as possible," said chairman Alan Leighton. | "Royal Mail wants to see frontline troops get as much support as possible," said chairman Alan Leighton. |
| The move comes after the head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, publicly appealed for Royal Mail to drop the charges. | The move comes after the head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, publicly appealed for Royal Mail to drop the charges. |
| He said he was now "delighted" by Royal Mail's support, which would mean "a great deal to soldiers and families". | He said he was now "delighted" by Royal Mail's support, which would mean "a great deal to soldiers and families". |
| 'Loved ones' | 'Loved ones' |
| "We all know how vitally important it is for frontline troops to get parcels from their loved ones at home," said Mr Leighton. | "We all know how vitally important it is for frontline troops to get parcels from their loved ones at home," said Mr Leighton. |
| "We are now working with the British Forces Post Office to set up special arrangements for a free parcel service until Christmas." | |
| Theresa Theobald, a mother whose son is serving in Afghanistan and who had been campaigning for free parcel deliveries to the troops, welcomed the news. | Theresa Theobald, a mother whose son is serving in Afghanistan and who had been campaigning for free parcel deliveries to the troops, welcomed the news. |
| She said that she had spent more than £400 over the past six months on sending "goodies" such as food and toiletries from home. | She said that she had spent more than £400 over the past six months on sending "goodies" such as food and toiletries from home. |
| "It is the only morale they have really. It brightens their day up when the post gets delivered to them," she said. | "It is the only morale they have really. It brightens their day up when the post gets delivered to them," she said. |
| An announcement with further details of the free service, including when it will come into effect, is expected within the next few days. | An announcement with further details of the free service, including when it will come into effect, is expected within the next few days. |
| The Royal Mail said it was reviewing how the free service might be maintained after Christmas. | The Royal Mail said it was reviewing how the free service might be maintained after Christmas. |