Families and friends of troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will be able to send them parcels for free, the Royal Mail announced yesterday.

Chairman Allan Leighton said that it was working "urgently" to put in place arrangements for free parcel post deliveries to the troops until Christmas.

He added that the Royal Mail would be pleased to review with the Ministry of Defence how the arrangements could be continued after Christmas.

"Royal Mail wants to see our frontline troops get as much support as possible," Mr Leighton said.

"Royal Mail's postmen are already serving in many military bases, including in Afghanistan, helping provide postal services to the Armed Forces, and we know how vitally important it is for frontline troops to get parcels from their loved ones at home."

The announcement came after the head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, appealed publicly for the Royal Mail to drop the charges, during a visit to troops in Afghanistan. He warmly welcomed yesterday's announcement.

"I am delighted by the support shown by Royal Mail, and extremely grateful. This decision to provide a free parcel service to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan will mean a great deal to our soldiers and to their families," he said.