CHILDREN fought back tears as they sent Father’s Day messages to dads serving in Afghanistan and Iraq.

More than 100 youngsters and their mums gathered to record messages telling their dads how much they missed and loved them.

Almost 600 servicemen and women from Bicester’s 23 Pioneer Regiment and Abingdon’s 4 Logistic Regiment are stationed overseas this Father’s Day – 230 in Afghanistan, 243 in Cyprus and 119 in Iraq and neighbouring Kuwait.

But homesick dads are to receive a moral boost tomorrow, after their families gathered at Ambrosden’s garrison community centre to record Father’s Day messages with the Oxford Mail and the British Forces Broadcasting Service.

Six-year-old Rhiannon Hall and her sister Erin, nine, last saw their dad Dave Hall, when he left to go to Afghanistan with 4 Logistic Regiment four months ago.

Rhiannon said: “He is funny, he plays games with us and he takes us swimming “We miss him lots and lots.”

Erin said: “He takes us to the park, to play areas and to look at animals.”

In a message for her dad Tony Hinchliffe, who is serving in Cyprus with 23 Pioneer Regiment, eight-year-old Leah Hinchliffe said: “I love you, miss you and can’t wait to see you when you get back.”

She added: “He helps me a lot with different things and he hugs me.”

Elly Jackson and her seven-month-old daughter Izobelle recorded a message for husband and father Corporal Andrew Jackson, who is stationed in Cyprus until October.

The 24-year-old, of Ambrosden, said: “It has been difficult and I miss him a lot.

“He is missing his first Father’s Day and our first wedding anniversary – but he will be back before Izobelle’s first birthday.

“We will spend Father’s Day with Izobelle’s grandad instead.”

Six-year-old Lacey Hanley, of Ambrosden, made a hand-painted sign to wish her dad Sgt Neil Hanley, happy Father’s Day and happy 31st birthday. He is serving in Afghanistan.

Sonja Smith and her two children Paul, one, and Jessica, three, recorded a message for Private Paul Smith, who is also in Cyprus with 23 Pioneer Regiment until the autumn.

The 22-year-old said: “I miss him lots. Jessica misses him being there. She wants to see him.”

As well as recording the messages, the families enjoyed a barbecue, bouncy castle and playground games.

Captain Sue Doran, unit welfare officer for 23 Pioneer Regiment, said: “It is important to make the link for Father’s Day.

She said youngsters from Ambrosden had recorded similar messages two years ago, adding: “It makes the day all the more special.”

To watch the children’s moving fathers’ day messages, to their army dads, go to our video section.

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