ROYAL Marines from Norton Fitzwarren-based 40 Commando are getting some light relief from their duties in Afghanistan thanks to the generosity of West Somerset residents.

The soldiers have been sent a consignment of sporting equipment bought at a discount from the local branch of Tony Pryce Sports with money raised at a fundraising cosmetics party.

The event was organised by the manager of Minehead coffee shop Cream, Sarah Ryan, with the help of local Virgin Vie at Home agent Rachael Knight and fellow Cream staff.

Sarah's husband Buck is serving with the regiment in Afghanistan and the money from the indulgence evening was split between forces charity Help For Heroes and to buy sports equipment for the marines.

And this week, the marines thanked everyone who helped to raise money to buy the sports equipment.

The kit, including balls, skipping rope and other fitness equipment, was sent to Forward Operating Base Jackson in Sangin and is being distributed to some of the smaller and more remote patrol bases and check points.

Although the marines are quite ingenious when it comes to keeping fit by creating home-made weights from empty containers filled with water or rubble, they are always grateful for proper equipment.

Buck said: "The lads are over the moon, the public support for us out here is excellent and I will get the equipment to the lads who need it most."