COOKING Christmas dinner can be stressful at the best of times, but before shouting over the sprouts or bickering over the broccoli this year, spare a thought for Watchet's Andy Salisbury.

Andy, 28, will be spending much of his Christmas Day helping to prepare a festive dinner for 5,000 troops in Camp Bastion in Afghanistan. 

As an Army Royal Logistic Corps chef, Andy works in the 'super kitchen' complex at Camp Bastion where he is the "forward feeding non-commissioned officer".

The role means he has to make sure all the required rations are supplied to troops on the front line.

On any one day Andy and his colleagues can be expected to prepare some 15,000 meals - three meals a day for 5,000 hungry soldiers.

Although Andy has become accustomed to being away over Christmas - last year he was in Iraq - he still misses some home comforts, especially at this time of year. 

"Normally I would be playing with my two children Mollie, who is four, and Neve, who is two, and treating them by buying too many Christmas presents, although my wife Jennifer tells me to stop getting too much.

"I think what I will miss the most is the fact that we have recently bought a house and this would have been our first Christmas there.

"My wife's parents will be coming for a traditional Christmas get-together."     

Andy, along with all the armed forces personnel out in Afghanistan, have, however, been receiving numerous parcels and letters from family, friends and anonymous well-wishers through the UKForU scheme. 

"I have had a few parcels with all sorts in them - toiletries, sweets, magazines and some photos to remind me of home."

Every effort is made to make Christmas Day special for the soldiers in Afghanistan.

Andy, who is a corporal, and the other Army chefs across Helmand will be preparing some 15,000 mince pies and three tonnes each of turkey and gammon.

In order to get everything ready in time for the feeding of the 5,000, Andy and his colleagues will be checking-in for duty at 4.30am in the morning.

Andy said he hoped everyone back at home in Watchet has a great Christmas and added: "I miss and love you all back at home. I can't wait to get back and see you again.

"A huge thanks to all of you who have supported us and sent goodies in the post, it really means a lot."  

Andy joined the Army in 1999 and his tour in Afghanistan is due to finish in April, when he can look forward to some well-earned leave.