FLYING out to Afghanistan for a tour of duty is never easy for any soldier, but especially difficult at this time of year.
Now a garden centre has tried to create a little seasonal magic by donating a Christmas tree to Brize Norton air base.
Boyd Douglas-Davies, owner of Hilltop Garden Centre, in Ramsden, presented the tree, which will brighten up the journey for thousands of troops this Christmas.
Wing Commander Angela Baker said: “This is fantastic, it improves the environment in the terminal for all the passengers travelling overseas at Christmas.”
The tree is a Nordman fir, which has travelled 530 miles from Inverness, in Scotland.
Mr Douglas-Davies said: “We just thought if they had a tree at the base it would be a nice thing for everyone.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here