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* Thousands of troops serving in Afghanistan enjoy some Christmas treats
* Servicemen and women rip open presents and tuck into full turkey dinner
* But it was business as usual for many troops still on early morning patrol

British troops serving in Afghanistan were given a taste of home when they celebrated Christmas with a traditional turkey dinner, presents from relatives and a charity fun run.

An extra effort was made today to make sure the 9,000 servicemen and women deployed in the Helmand Province were given some 'down time' as staff at the Laskah Gah Main Operating Base opened Secret Santa presents along with gifts from family.

Medics were given home comforts including new socks, underwear and toiletries as Christmas favourites such as Chris Rea's Driving Home For Christmas and the Pogues' Fairytale Of New York played in the background.

Meanwhile, soldiers and service members with the NATO-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) also enjoyed a Christmas dinner and attended a mass to mark the day.

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