A Clarendon Park estate agent is calling upon the community to come forward and contribute for the sake of British troops.

A shoebox appeal for the Coldstream Guards and soldiers serving in Afghanistan was started by the East Midland wide estate agents, Nicholas Humphrey, about six weeks ago.

Having received interest from surrounding communities, Barkers part of the Nicholas Humphreys group, situated on Queens Road, has asked for the people of Clarendon Park and Stoneygate to be generous and help bring in more contributions for the cause.

Jon Fairbrother, of Barkers Estate Agents, said: "Our owner, Nicholas Humphreys, chose to start the shoe-box appeal as it was a cause close to his heart. Over the whole of the East Midlands collections are going extremely well, but here in Queens Road we want to see more. It's just a case of letting people know what we are doing."

The items that have been requested range from toiletries to maintain personal hygiene and confectionaries like wrapped chocolates and boiled sweets to simple items including pens, paper and envelopes to give them the chance to communicate with their family via letter.

Mr Fairbrother added: "We are asking for certain things as they can all be passed over the borders without any restrictions. The troops have asked for these items - seen to them now as luxuries. They are only asking for the small things we take for granted day to day."

Donations will be welcomed by all Nicholas J Humphreys and Barkers Estate agents throughout Loughborough, Leicester, Derby and Burton upon Trent. The collection will be running up until April 1.

For more information call Jo Magnor on 0116 275 8222.