SOLDIERS in Afghanistan are enjoying a range of home comforts, thanks to former Royal Marines in Southend.

Among the old soldiers helping the troops - including the Royal Anglian Regiment - is John Jones, 77, of Cluny Square, who is running the marines' national shoebox appeal.

The appeal people to donate items to make life more comfortable for "our boys" in Afghanistan.

Already Mr Jones and fellow ex-servicemen have sent more than 70 shoeboxes - and he still has piles of goodies waiting to go.

He said: "The boxes have got things in like shaving equipment, toothpaste, coffee, tea, soup and even things like sweets."

Mr Jones and his helpers are all members of the Southend branch of the Royal Marine Association.

Mr Jones said one of their most successful collecting locations was Waitrose, in Eastern Avenue.

He said: "About eight of our members were allowed to collect there and we would like to thank them very much, and also the members of the public who gave so generously."

Mr Jones added: "I am still very active in the Royal Marine Association and do a lot of work for them, visiting their headquarters at Lympstone, in Dorset, for the annual reunion.

"When I joined up, I saw active service in Hong Kong and Borneo as a Royal Marine."

He also served on the Royal Navy's last battleship, HMS Van-guard, which was decommisioned and scrapped in 1960.

The marines are still collecting on behalf of soldiers on tours of duty overseas.

Mr Jones asked people wanting to donate to the scheme to contact his group via the Royal Naval Association, in East Street, on 01702 612255.