NEW wristbands to support Lincolnshire troops ahead of a deployment to Afghanistan have been launched.

The 2nd Battalion Royal Anglian Regiment – known as the Poachers – has created the accessory in a bid to drum up cash and support ahead of being made the Army's official reserve battalion for the war-torn nation.

The bands are black and gold. The gold half of the rubber bracelets say "The Poachers", while the darker side is emblazoned with the word "Afghanistan". The words are flanked by a sphinx on either side.

Sergeant Nathan Cass, who works in the Poachers' recruitment office in Lincoln, said: "All the money raised from sales of the £2 wristbands will go towards supporting the families of injured or killed soldiers.

"With the Poachers being a local battalion, there are lots of family and friends who live in the area, so whenever they see anything with the Poachers on it, they show their support."

The wristbands are available from the Armed Forces Career office in High Street, Lincoln.

It is hoped they will also be sold in shops around the county, but cash boxes to collect the money are needed first.

To donate to the appeal, send a cheque, payable to Central Bank 2 R Anglian, to: Wristband Appeal, 2 R Anglian, Trenchard Barracks, BFPO 23.