A GROUP of soldiers in Afghanistan have been fighting the Christmas cold with adult-sized romper suits made in Northumberland.
Members of the 20th Armoured Brigade have been donning the colourful “onesies” – all-in-one outfits complete with hoods – once their duties have been done for the day and their camouflage desert uniforms have been removed.
It followed a request to manufacturer the All-in-One Company from Ashington, Northumberland, from Corporal Steve Lamb.
He emailed the firm requesting suits for his 10-strong section, saying: “Can I be cheeky and ask for a donation of a couple of onesies as they would be very useful with the cold nights over Christmas here in Afghan?”
Company founder Kate Dawson sent a batch of suits off and the grateful soldiers posed for pictures wearing fluffy sheep, comfy tartan, jolly diggers and silly spotty designs.
Cpl Lamb, 32, from Darlington, County Durham, will be in Afghanistan for Christmas and is missing wife Sarah and children Joseph, nine, and Skyla, aged two.
Ms Dawson said: “We are delighted to do anything we can to brighten up their lives. Not only are Steve and his colleagues doing a fantastic job, but they are also going to be away for Christmas. We are more than happy to provide a bit of colour, fun and warmth.”
The firm has already provided suits worn by Celebrity Big Brother stars Vinnie Jones and Stephanie Beacham, members of boyband One Direction and DJ Zoe Ball, her husband Norman Cook and their children.
Coronation Street star Ryan Thomas provoked much laughter from colleagues when he wore a onesie on his way to filming earlier this month.
The All-in-One Company was set up in 2008 and employs 18 people, with customers in 161 countries. Ms Dawson, a mother of two, said: “It was great to see All-in-Ones being worn by famous people.
“But it’s also really satisfying to know that we are able to help real heroes.”
Ms Dawson started the company because she couldn’t find the type of sleepsuits she wanted for her children. Since then demand has come in for her products from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Though she was brought up in Oxfordshire, Ms Dawson’s father came from Ashington and she spent childhood holidays in Northumberland. She decided to move permanently to the area four years ago.
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