Tired troops will soon be supping a taste of Leicestershire as they fly home from the battlefields of Afghanistan.

Brewer Everards is signing up to the RAF-led Beer for the Boys campaign, to provide servicemen and women with a cold beer on their flight home.

The drive was launched two years ago to give a boost to troops returning to the UK at the end of gruelling six-month tours.

International breweries have already donated thousands of cans to the team who run RAF passenger flights to and from Afghanistan, where the British military bases are alcohol-free zones.

Enderby-based Everards says it is donating 10 crates – 80 bottles – of Tiger Best Bitter to the appeal.

Kirk Raines is one of about 140 troops from Leicestershire in the 9th/12th Royal Lancers, based in Hohne, northern Germany.

The 23-year-old Trooper, from Glen Parva, said: "The Beer for the Boys campaign is a brilliant idea. Having served on two deployments to Iraq, I can imagine how great it would have been to have an ice cold beer on my flight home.

"While we all recognise the need to be teetotal while serving on operations, it doesn't mean we don't miss the odd pint or two!"

Asha Calow's son, Private Callem Lawrence, 19, is based in Cardiff at the moment but could be in Afghanistan with the 1st Battalion Parachute Regiment (1 Paras) by November.

Asha, 36, said she was sure troops returning from Afghanistan would appreciate the gesture.

"It will be a nice treat for them after a tour. And I'm sure my son would like it as well!" she said.

Erika Hardy, marketing manager at Everards, said: "We're very proud to support Beer for the Boys appeal. It's a very thoughtful tribute for servicemen and women returning from duty in Afghanistan.

"Many of us will have friends, family and loved ones who will be coming home after a long period away and hope they enjoy a bottle of Leicestershire's finest, Tiger Best Bitter, during the flight back."

Wing Commander Steve Chadwick started the Beer for the Boys campaign and would like to be able to offer troops a beer on every military flight out of Afghanistan.

"The principle is that a single can of cold beer thrust into the hand of a soldier once the TriStar is safely away from the ground and out of harm's way marks the point at which he knows he is going home after six months of fighting," he said.

"It is just a token – but an important one."