A TODDLER, a retired submariner and the wife of a servicemen bound for conflict are among the latest to send their heartfelt messages to troops spending this festive season in Afghanistan.

Dozens of people from across the county have made their own personal messages of Christmas goodwill which will be screened to troops via the Oxford Mail website.

The messages can be seen by the nation’s servicemen and women who are spending their Christmas and New Year fighting the Taliban rather than at home with loved ones.

Shoppers at Sainsbury’s Heyford Hill supermarket in Oxford recorded their messages on Wednesday.

Retired submariner Frank Quarterman, 80, of Littlemore, Oxford, spent eight consecutive Christmas times away from his family, including wife Doreen, 77, during the 1950s and 60s.

He said: “I know what it’s like to be away from loved ones during the festive season.

“So good luck to them all and keep it up.“They are doing a very good job.”

Eight-year-old Nadia Qume, from Oxford, was shopping with her mother Michelle, 43.

She said: “Merry Christmas and keep up the good work.”

Kat Berry’s husband Cpl Paul Berry is due to fly out to the Afghan warzone in March with 12 Regiment The Rifles, based at Dalton Barracks.

Mrs Berry, 27, and her six-month-old daughter Millie sent their message to the troops.

She said: “We wish them all a Merry Christmas and think they’re doing a fantastic job. Stay safe.”

Dennis Andrews, 73, from Chalgrove, served with Royal Artillery Corps during the 1950s and 1960s spending large amount of time abroad and away from loved ones during the holiday season.

He said: “They’re doing a damn good job and I want them to know that everyone is thinking about them and that we do care.”

Daphne Hunt, 64, from Chalgrove, said: “We know you are far away and would much prefer to be at home but everyone is thinking of you.”

About 50 Christmas goodwill messages have now been recorded by shoppers at Tesco in Didcot, Tesco in Abingdon, Somerfield in Witney and Sainsbury’s in Oxford.

To see the Christmas messages, go to oxfordmail.co.uk/media/video