A FORMER serviceman has been instrumental in forcing Royal Mail to scrap postal charges for families sending parcels to loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan.

David Cain, 58, from Cedar Road, Canvey, who served in the 2nd Royal Anglian regiment, launch- ed a petition in February.

His written protest gained more than 40,000 signatures of support and was taken up by Castle Point MP Dr Bob Spink, who presented the petition to Parliament.

Yesterday, Royal Mail bowed to pressure and pledged to provide a free parcel service for troops until Christmas.

However, the father-of-four, whose son-in-law Jon serves in the Army, said he would continue to fight hard to make the move permanent as Royal Mail's new measures will be reviewed after Christmas.

At the weekend, the head of the Army, General Sir Richard Dannatt, urged postal chiefs to stop charging for delivering parcels.

Mr Cain said: "I'd like to thank all the people who campaigned so hard.

"It will really help families financially and allow soldiers to receive their packages.

"Imagine how they must feel to receive a parcel from their mum when they are fighting for their country.

"Our soldiers don't get anything like the support they need and when they are out there they deserve a completely free postal service."

Allan Leighton, Royal Mail's chairman, said: "We're working with the British Forces Post Office to set up special arrangements, to start as soon as possible, for a free parcel service until Christmas."

It would cost the loss-making organisation some £6million to honour the pledge for a full year.