LEIGH-based Commando Joe’s has teamed up with children’s charity Little Troopers to better support children whose parents serve in the armed forces.

Little Troopers was formed in 2011 with the aim of helping children deal with the separation that can occur when their parents are deployed.

The charity does this by providing resources such as countdown calendars, postcard packs and information on where their mum or dad is in the world.

Little Troopers also organises events to give the children a sense of community, allowing them to mix with other youngsters who are going through the same experience.

Mike Hamilton, director of education provider Commando Joe’s in Meadowcroft Way, said: “Through this partnership we aim to better support children with parents in the armed forces.

"The majority of our instructors are ex-military and many of them have children, so we have seen the impact that deployment can have.

"This charity is very close to our hearts."

As one of Commando Joe’s charities of choice, Little Troopers resource packs will also be made available to the 300-plus schools across the country that Commando Joe’s currently works with.

It will also be contributing to the charity throughout the year.

Mike added: “At Commando Joe’s we work to build character, resilience, boost aspirations and improve behaviour.

"The Little Troopers resource packs will no doubt help with this mission and since many schools are unaware of how best to support children with military parents, we intend to advise and work in partnership with the relevant schools in order to do so.”

Louise Fetigan, founder of Little Troopers, said: “I’m proud to say that the work we do is helping to keep serving parents and their children bonded while they are away, and with the help of Commando Joe’s we will be able to support even more of these little troopers.”

For more information on Commando Joe's call 0844 800 3212.