Daily Echo readers have spread some festive cheer in one of the most miserable places on earth this Christmas.

Hampshire soldiers have been given a huge morale boost after hundreds of cards arrived in Helmand Province from back home.

If that wasn’t enough to put a smile on their face, the generosity of Daily Echo readers who have raised more than £1,000 for their charity most definitely is.

It comes as Hampshire families have sent Christmas wishes to their loved ones serving in Afghanistan.

For the past three months kind-hearted residents have been digging deep to show their support for our 450 boys on thefrontline by buying wristbands.

The blue and yellow bands were made especially for the 1st Battalion, Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment – nicknamed The Tigers – to bring in vital funds to support families of those injured in the line of duty.

They’ve been snapped up by celebrities from Saints legend Lawrie McMenemy to Davina McCall and demand has been so high that we have been forced to repeatedly stock up with new supplies as the bands continued to sell out.

Now the money will be handed to the welfare bosses from the regiment, bringing their total raised so far to more than £50,000.

The fundraiser was launched in the summer with an aim of raising £60,000 to assist families who may need to travel and adapt if their loved ones come home injured.

Armed forces minister Nick Harvey said: “The support of the public is hugely appreciated by the servicemen and women in Afghanistan throughout the year, but particularly so during the run-up to Christmas when they are away from their loved ones.

“Knowing that the people of Hampshire will hold troops from their area in their thoughts will mean huge amounts to those on operations.”

Lieutenant Colonel James Coote, commanding officer of The Tigers, said he was enormously grateful.

“Whilst it has not been possible to acknowledge every letter and parcel that has been sent, or every well-wisher’s comment on the internet or in the papers, every single one is greatly appreciated.

“Far from home, at a time when we should be among family and friends, the support is invaluable and greatly valued by all of us.

“Our most heartfelt thanks go to all of you, along with our best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.”