TOYS and teddy bears have been donated to the children of Colchester-based soldiers who are serving in Afghanistan.

Fibre optic specialists Colchester Communications, based at the Whitehall Industrial Estate in Grange Way, bought more than 200 toys for the families of soldiers from the 16 Air Assault Brigade.

They were handed to Colonel Hugo Fletcher, deputy commander of the brigade, by Jackie and Steve Wakefield, who run the company.

Mrs Wakefield said: “As a company we like to give something back to the local community.

“We have had family and staff members with connections to the army and we wanted to do something to show our support.

“Christmas must be a difficult time for children with parents serving overseas and we hope that our donation of toys can help bring a smile to their faces.”