ARMY families were able to celebrate Father's Day yesterday via a video link with their husbands and fathers serving in war zones.

Hundreds of soldiers from 23 Pioneer Regiment of the Royal Logistics Corps, based at St David's Barracks in Bicester, have been deployed in Afghanistan and Iraq since March.

The video link sessions are now held on a monthly basis and yesterday, at the community centre in Ambrosden, a barbecue party was held for about 30 mothers and their children while they waited their turn to talk to their loved ones.

Leanne Wright, 27, pictured, from Ambrosden, whose husband, Sergeant Brian Wright, 31, has been serving in Kabul in Afghanistan since April, said he had enjoyed seeing their son Brandon, now eight months.

She added: "It was the first time I have taken part in one of these links and we both enjoyed it.

"I have emailed photos over before but Brian could see very clearly just how much Brandon has grown - he said he was huge.

"I would definitely do this again.

"I'm hoping Brian will be back for Brandon's first birthday in October."