Troops in Afghanistan enjoyed a traditional dinner this Sunday despite being away from home this Christmas.

Nearly 10,000 army members have had more than eight tonnes of food - with all the trimmings - send to them.

It is the 10th year in a row that soldiers have been stationed in the country on Christmas.

Warrant Officer Class 2 (WO2) Russell "Frog" Leigh, of 16 Regiment Royal Artillery, 37, from Wigan, told the press association there was a "brilliant atmosphere": "The best part of Christmas here has been singing carols with my mates, but the food is absolutely phenomenal as well.

"I can't believe they can get every part of the full Christmas feast with all the trimmings here. There is a brilliant atmosphere as well."

The Ministry of Defence said there were more than 200 Christmas trees, 900 Christmas cakes, 21,500 mince pies, 30,000 after eights and 16,000 Christmas crackers to keep up the festive atmosphere on an otherwise normal working day.

Task Force Helmand spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Gordon Mackenzie told the press association it was hard being away fro home but efforts to keep up morale were appreciated:

"Being deployed at Christmas is always difficult and it is the time you miss your family the most.

"But the efforts to bring Christmas cheer to all those on operations who cannot be at home are hugely appreciated here.

"Although we all understand that we're here to do a job and operations take priority, everyone appreciates the opportunity to enjoy themselves.

"It'll never be the same as a Christmas at home, but the little things do make a massive difference."