A THANK you coffee morning was held for businesses, organisations and charities that supported the families of troops while they were away on duty.

Hundreds of soldiers from Bicester flew out earlier this year to Afghanistan, Iraq and Bosnia in the Army's biggest deployment from the town in 16 years.

The troops said goodbye to loved ones as they began tours of duty that lasted up to six months.

Several businesses and organisations offered emotional, financial and practical support to families left behind.

On Wednesday, more than 30 people from the various groups were invited to Garrison Community Centre, in Arncott, near Bicester.

Unit welfare officer Captain Sue Doran helped organise events and services to support Army families during the deployment, ranging from discos and barbecues, to weekly coffee mornings and day trips.

Capt Doran said: "Businesses like Warburtons and Asda provided goods to enable us to run our fun days, which have included barbecues, Easter egg hunts and discos.

"Others helped with practical support such as organising transport to a hospital appointment."