Gazette readers Support Our Soldiers

In our edition of September 16, we launched a campaign asking readers to help our lads and lassies serving on the front line this Christmas.

And while initially the response was slow, by the time our campaign ended on Wednesday, November 3, more than 230 boxes had been delivered to our offices in Carluke and Lanark.

The shoeboxes have been donated to the MOD-sanctioned charity Support Our Soldiers and area co-ordinator Lynn O'Brien was overwhelmed with the response.

She said: ''It was absolutely amazing. My target was recently upped to 400 shoeboxes and without support from Gazette readers I would never have been able to fulfil that number.

''The response far exceeded my expectations and when the final

delivery of boxes came in last week, I couldn't believe it.

''I'd like to thank each and every person who filled a shoebox. I know the lads and lassies on the frontline will really appreciate it.''

The goodies are now making their way to the troops and they include individual Christmas puddings, toiletries, thermals and manicure sets.

For more information on this story, pick up a copy of this week's Carluke and Lanark Gazette which is in the shops now.