FAMILIES of soldiers serving in Iraq will be able to exchange Christmas Eve greetings via satellite link thanks to a project by two radio stations.

Cleveland-based 96.6TFM has joined the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) for a moving programme to be aired live.

From 11am to 1pm on Sunday, families will be invited to the TFM studios in Stockton to share Christmas wishes with their relatives in Iraq, live on air.

BFBS will relay the show to service personnel in 26 countries, with a simultaneous broadcast by TFM in the Tees valley. TFM's Graham Mack and BFBS presenter Dave Simon will be hosts.

Derek Tomsett, unit welfare officer for 19CSS Battalion, said: "The families email regularly, but the broadcast gives them the chance to say hello and have a special track played.

"For the children, it will make Christmas if they can actually talk to dad. We're also hoping to have a video link."

Mr Simon said: "Communication is often difficult from these areas (Iraq) and, as Christmas really is a time for families, we wanted to give them a unique opportunity to link up and be in contact with their absent loved ones."