WHILE families are having dinner and exchanging presents this Christmas – one mum is thinking of her son thousands of miles away fighting on the front line for his country.

At her home in The Copse, Chingford, Sharon Holmes, 46, has decorated the house with a tree and decorations but she said she is feeling far from festive because she misses her son, Craig.

The mum-of-two said: “I was hoping he would be home for Christmas, so I not feeling in a very festive mood. I just want him home.

“I have sent him cards, little decorations and socks and hats because it gets cold out there at night. He is sad about being there because it is the first Christmas he won't be at home. But he loves the army and I am very proud of him, and so is all the family.”

Since the start of operations in October 2001, total of 239 British forces personnel or MOD civilians have died while serving in Afghanistan and Gordon Brown has recently announced more soldiers are being sent out – bringing the total number of British troops to more than 10,000.

Mrs Holme's 25-year-old son, Private Mavin, is serving with the First Royal Anglian as part of the Grenadier Guards Battle Group on the front line.

The former Heathcote School pupil joined the army aged 17 and has served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and did a tour in Afghanistan and 2007. But Mrs Holmes said this tour has been the most worrying for his family because of the rise in casualties.

His mum said: “In 2007 in Afghanistan, he lost eight men from his regiment. I think it really affected him. He didn't want to go back, but it is his job. And I will give him a heroes welcome when he comes home.”

Mrs Holmes said she and her husband, Ricky, 52, and her 17-year-old son, Grant, will be spending Christmas with friends and they just hope that Craig will be able to email or phone them on the day.

She added: “I just hope he will be able to ring me. But when he left I put a letter in his chest pocket and told him to keep it with him at all times. So he knows I will be thinking of him.”

Roy Barvill, on behalf of the Royal British Legion, Leyton branch, said: "Please spare a thought for our service men and women in Afghanistan, for without their bravery and dedication, life in the UK would be a lot less safe.

"And also think of their loved ones and families whose Christmas celebrations this year will be tempered with anxiety and dread."