Packs of kosher provisions have been distributed to Jewish troops serving in the British armed forces to help them celebrate Rosh Hashanah.

The parcels, including honey cake, dried fruits, powdered chicken soup and other treats, were dispatched to those serving in Afghanistan and other conflict zones. They are provided by the Jewish Committee for HM Forces.

They will also be distributed to non-combatant military staff working at home and abroad, including those deployed on UK bases away from larger Jewish communities. Where requested, High Holy-Day prayer books have also been dispatched.

Colonel Martin Newman, chairman of the committee, said: "The parcels are always appreciated, even if there is just something small to help servicemen and women remember Yom Tov."

He said the committee was working hard to make it easier for UK troops to maintain Jewish life while in service. One serviceman in the Grenadier Guards had found kosher food easier to locate from American army colleagues while fighting in Iraq than he had after returning to his Wiltshire base.