BURY St Edmunds-based staff at electricity distribution firm UK Power Networks have helped a troop of Army cadets provide Christmas food parcels to residents of a sheltered housing scheme.

It’s the fourth year that youngsters from the Army Cadet Force have presented gifts to residents at Lime Tree Walk, Watton, many of who have a military background.

Troop Commander Staff Corporal Bob Gillbanks, who works in logistics for UK Power Networks, thanked colleagues from the firm’s Bury office for supporting the initiative. They have also pledged to continue to support the scheme next year.

Mr Gillbanks said: “The cadets themselves start collecting for the parcels in October and a great deal is given by their family members, friends and neighbours. However, my colleagues at UK Power Networks made generous contributions to ensure the recipients enjoy some extra treats this Christmas.”

Jana Kosikova, who works with Mr Gillbanks, added: “This is a wonderful gesture by the youngsters, to think of others’ needs at Christmas, and I was only too happy to help with a donation.

“We hope to make a more formal arrangement for food collections among colleagues next year to help the cadets collect as many goodies as they can.”

Mr Gillbanks, from Mundford, near Brandon, began working with the volunteer organisation in 2001 after serving with the Army’s Royal Anglian Regiment. The cadets, whose ages range from 12 to 18, organise community events throughout the year and many of them aspire to a career in the full-time Army.