A PLEA for festive messages to be sent from Falmouth to those on board the RFA Argus this Christmas has been taken to heart by the local community.

Just a week after plans for the video message were unveiled by local MP Sarah Newton and A&P Falmouth, dozens of people, groups and organisations have pledged to get involved.

The video, Happy Christmas RFA Argus, Love Falmouth, will be full of short videos and photos of people sending warm wishes, with the aim of giving the 360 crew on board a morale boost in time for Christmas.

And this week, RFA Argus has been chosen to jointly switch on Falmouth’s Christmas lights – via video link from 4,000 miles away.

The effort has been commended by Commodore Rob Dorey, of the RFA Argus, who said: “I am delighted with the plans for the video and would like to thank everybody for giving up so much of their time. The support from the local area, including Sarah Newton is fantastic.”

Mrs Newton said: “I am absolutely delighted with the response we’ve had so far. We have been contacted by some of the families of those on board RFA Argus and would encourage as many people as possible to send in their videos and photos. We will endeavour to include as many as possible in the final video message and have set up a separate file for all friends and family of those on board to send their personal greetings.”

Peter Child, managing director of A&P Falmouth, added: “We had no doubt the people of Falmouth would take this project to heart – it is already taking off in true Cornish style. We’ve had many expressions of support and interest from the local community, as well as the first videos landing on our desks. It’s a really inspiring project to be involved in.

“Our message is simple – keep the videos and photos coming in. We’ve done A&P’s this week and every one will mean a lot to those on board who are away from home this Christmas and act as a reminder that they are in our thoughts.”

“As its home port, Falmouth has long-standing relations with the RFA Argus and we hope the whole town will get behind us and help send a little bit of home to the ship this festive season.”

The team behind the video, which will be released on YouTube the week before Christmas, is asking for local organisations, schools and businesses to get involved by recording their own brief messages or taking photos for the video.

A book of Christmas messages has been opened by Falmouth Town Council, and held in the library, for anyone who would like to send a greeting.

Videos and photos should be uploaded to http://argus.falmouth.ac.uk.

The deadline for submissions is Monday, December 8. Messages can also be left on the Facebook page, Happy Christmas RFA Argus, Love Falmouth.