Published: Wednesday, 2nd December, 2009 3:55pm

Borders troops given message of goodwill this Christmas

SOLDIERS from The Royal Scots Borderers, 1st Battalion the Royal Regiment of Scotland are to be given an extra special present this Christmas.

The troops who are currently deployed on operations in Afghanistan will get one hour's free talk time to speak to their loved ones over Christmas.

Operational troops routinely receive 30 minutes of free talk time each week from the Ministry of Defence which can be used to make phone calls. Troops also have unlimited access to the internet and are able to email home.

This year during the festive period, troops will receive an additional 30 minutes free talk time from both the MOD and communications company Paradigm, meaning that they will be able to chat to family and friends for an extra hour over the festive period.

Secretary of State for Defence Bob Ainsworth said: "Free telephone minutes mean our Forces can talk to their loved ones back home when they are in Afghanistan - that's why we increased the allowance two years ago. I am delighted that we are able to boost the allowance even further over the Christmas and New Year period.

"This is one, very small way that we can thank those members of the Armed Forces for putting themselves at risk in defence of Britain's national interest."

Flight Lieutenant Andy Wilson, who is responsible for managing the MOD's requirement for welfare communications, said: "Christmas can be a difficult time for the troops and their families and we hope that this goes some way in making this separation a little easier.

"This extra hour will allow families to share their news over the festive period, for mothers and fathers to have that extra bit of time to chat with their children and for the troops to feel as much a part of the celebrations as possible.

"Communication is vital to the morale of our personnel and the wellbeing of their loved ones at home, especially around this time of year."

"I have served away from home and the knowledge that you are able to call and receive messages from loved ones is a huge reassurance. I hope that this extra time over Christmas will help to bring troops and their families and friends closer together."

Managing Director of Paradigm, Keith Norton said: "We provide the troops the ability to communicate home even in the most hostile of environments.

"The WelComE service is supported by our engineers in-theatre and the WelComE Customer Contact Centre back in the UK, who work hard to ensure that deployed personnel remain in contact with their families and friends.

"Paradigm is proud to support British troops; the WelComE service is key to boosting morale and we are pleased to be able to support this additional free talk time over the festive season."

Talk time is part of WelComE (Welfare Communications Everywhere) project and is just one way that troops can keep in touch with their families and friends whilst they are serving away.

DO YOU KNOW SOMEONE SERVING ABROAD THIS CHRISTMAS? Contact our newsroom by email: editorial@bordertelegraph.com