SOLDIERS serving abroad have inspired a Melksham woman to start a goodwill appeal.

Cher Riley, of Littlejohn Avenue, is calling on people to donate gifts, cards and knitwear, which she plans to post to British soldiers serving abroad this Christmas.

Inspired by the patriotic US reaction to the atrocities of September 11, Mrs Riley believes people in Melksham should play a greater role in looking after British soldiers.

Linking with Warminster Training Camp, Mrs Riley wants to gather enough gifts and cards to send out this Christmas.

Her future plan is to adopt a troop and make the goodwill appeal an annual one.

She said: "I am in the process of starting up a post office box for the soldiers abroad.

"While we are opening up presents at Christmas they are out there defending us. We should make sure they know we appreciate what they do.

"I realised after September 11 how patriotic Americans are and we in this country are so laid-back. We get behind our soldiers."

Anyone wanting to join Mrs Riley's Support Our Armed Forces group can access her website on http://groups.yahoo.com/group/supportarmedforces/