A police officer has launched a campaign to get much needed light relief to troops serving in Afghanistan.

In an announcement by the Ministry of Defence in November last year care packages – a vital home comfort for troops on the front – were stopped because of the cost of transportation.

However, things like table tennis equipment, table football, projectors and Wii games are still being sought for the troops in the remote forward operating bases (Fobs) and patrol bases (PBs.).

Sergeant Darin Birmingham, whose son is in the Royal Engineers, said: “We have sent care packages out a couple of times to the guys in Afghanistan and Iraq, but ever since they stopped accepting them at the post office, we have been thinking what else we can do.

“If we can provide a little light relief for the guys who are out fighting on the ground, then we’ll do everything we can for them to make life as comfortable as possible.”

The MoD has said sending out so many care packages means many of them sit in cargo containers for months while they try to get them to the men and women on the ground without compromising the supply chain of ammunition and food.

Nearly all supplies in Afghanistan must be sent by helicopter, meaning care packages are held back if food, ammunition, water or troops are needed instead.

If you wish to donate DVDs, games consoles and games or sports equipment, contact hmiller @london.newsquest.co.uk or Sgt Darin Birmingham on 020 8649 0195.