MoD offers a tonic for troops

More than eight tonnes of food was shipped specially to Afghanistan from the UK to allow frontline troops to enjoy a full turkey dinner with all the trimmings.

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) said more than 9,500 personnel stationed throughout the British area of operations enjoyed 2.5 tonnes of turkey, 2.5 tonnes of gammon, and a tonne of sprouts. Also on the menu were 900 Christmas cakes, 21,500 mince pies, 30,000 After Eight mints and 155,000 buffet items.

And more than 200 Christmas trees, 1,000 sets of decorations and 16,000 Christmas crackers are helping keep spirits up by producing some festive cheer, the MoD said.