Lance Corporal Ross Clarkson, 24, from Redcar, east Cleveland. Military job - chef. 1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers

"Hello mam, dad and sister Polly. Hope you are all okay and keeping well. Have a Merry Christmas. Also like to say Merry Christmas to both my grandparents - granny, Gu, grandma and grandad - and to all my mates. Keep the beer on ice for me. See you all in January and missing you all."

Sergeant Graham Belt, 41, from Hartlepool. Military job - Royal Signals Sergeant. 34th Signal Regiment serving with Cassino Company 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment.

"Lauren, Sarah and Kimberley, all the very best for Christmas. Hope to see you all soon. Give your mum my love."

Signaller James Murphy, 21, from Billingham, Teesside. Military job - Signaller. 34th Signal Regiment serving with Cassino Company 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment.

"To mum, dad, Michelle and Paul. Hi, everyone. Hope everyone is doing fine. I'm okay over here. Have a good Christmas and I'll see you soon. Looking forward to my Christmas in January when I'm on leave."

Private Sarah Jane McColm, 22, from Ormesby, Middlesbrough. Military job - Combat Medical Technician. 1 UK Medical Group.

"Hi, mam, dad and family. Hope you have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Miss you all. Will see you in January. Take care. Love you loads. Sarah xxx."

Warrant Officer 2, Colin Finnigan from Ingleby Barwick, near Middlesbrough. Military job - SSM Hospital. 1 UK Medical Group.

"To my wife, Susan, daughter Amy and my mother, Ellen. Missing you all like mad. Hopefully, will be home for the important events. If not, enjoy yourselves anyway. Happy Birthday to Amy and Ellen. Lots of love, Col."