AT Christmas time our thoughts always turn to absent family members and friends.

This year, especially, our troops serving in Afghanistan and Iraq are at the forefront of our minds as they are parted from their loved ones in the battle to keep the peace and defeat terrorism.

But our Hugs For Heroes campaign hopes to bridge that gap and stretch out across the miles to bring a little bit of comfort and joy to the brave men and women serving their country.

Here we've got some special video messages for them to enjoy over Christmas and New Year - a virtual hug from Great Britain - to let them know we care and that they're in our thoughts.