People are being urged to light a candle on Christmas Day to remember soldiers serving in war zones during the festive period.

Hundreds of people in Leicestershire – including families and friends of troops abroad – will join in the Support our Soldiers campaign.

Members of the charity in the county are appealing for people to light candles in their homes to remember troops abroad, their families and those who have lost loved ones in combat.

Amanda Crowden, Leicestershire representative for the charity, which has sent hundreds of Christmas parcels out to troops in the Middle East this December, said: "This has been another difficult year for the British Forces serving in Iraq and Afghanistan and for their families and friends at home.

"At 2pm, on Christmas Day, we ask you to light a candle and to take just one minute to pause and think."

The Christmas Candle of Hope appeal was launched by the charity in December 2003.