TROOPS serving in Afghanistan this Christmas have sent a message via the Lord Mayor of York thanking York residents for their giant Christmas card.

Last month, Coun Sue Galloway invited local people to send their festive greetings to the servicemen and women of York-based 2 Signal Regiment by signing the card.

This week, she received a thank you letter from the regiment’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Colonel Andy Knott.

He wrote: “Just a short note to thank you, the civic community and all those who kindly signed the fabulous Christmas card you sent to my regiment. It means a great deal to us here in Afghanistan.

“The strong support that you and the city of York have shown us is second-to-none. We are proud of our ties to you all.” Coun Galloway said she would like to thank those York residents who donated generously to her Soldiers Sailors Airmen and Families Association Forces Help (SSAFA) appeal, helping to raise £166.70 for the charity.

She said: “To all the servicemen and women currently serving in Afghanistan, I and the rest of York’s civic party would like to send our best wishes for a peaceful Christmas and a safe return.”