Tesco Direct has announced a partnership with the British Forces Post Office (BFPO) to help family and friends send parcels to British military personnel overseas.

The scheme allows products bought on the Tesco Direct website to be sent directly to those serving in the armed forces for the same cost as standard UK delivery.

Writing on the Tesco blog, business support manager Ed Beckingham, who served in Afghanistan in 2010, said: “I distinctly remember returning from a difficult patrol to find a parcel from my Mum waiting for me. It didn’t contain anything unusual just some DVDs and my favourite British sweets, a rare treat in a country like Afghanistan. This simple reminder of home really lifted my spirits after a long day. It was incredibly comforting to know she was thinking of me.

“Fast forward six years and the skills and experience I gained in the RAF have helped me to build a new career with Tesco. I now work in our Head Office supporting store colleagues across the country. My memory of opening that parcel from my Mum means I'm particularly proud of Tesco's partnership with the British Forces Post Office (BFPO).”