Gloria, of Tanglewood, Werrington, is the chairman of Peterborough Supports Our Heroes. She was moved to start an appeal after her youngest son, Liam (18), who is serving in Afghanistan with the 23rd Engineer Regiment of the 51st Parachute Squadron, told her of the positive impact treats from home have on morale.

She joined forces with three other friends Philippa Millard and Janek and Jackie Skutela, who run the Dragon pub, in Werrington, and over the last few months they have worked tirelessly buying items, looking for donations for a forthcoming charity day auction, and frantically packing up the boxes of goodies to be sent out.

Soldiers from the 16th Regiment Royal Artillery, based at Luffenham, in Rutland, visited the pub to collect the boxes on behalf of brave servicemen and women serving overseas.

Gloria was presented with a Pride in Peterborough T-shirt by The Evening Telegraph in recognition of her efforts.

She said: “I am wearing this T-shirt on behalf of Phil, Janek and Jackie as it is their hard work as well which has meant the appeal has been such a success.”

"This is for Peterborough really, as I believe the city can inspire other cities to support their heroes.”