Christmas party for UK troops

British troops are paving the way for a multi-national peacekeeping force

KABUL, Afghanistan -- British troops on duty in Afghanistan joined their American counterparts in celebrating Christmas.

The advance 200-strong British deployment, made up mainly of Royal Marines, marked Christmas Day with a party at Bagram airbase near the capital, Kabul.

In a derelict aircraft hangar they joined American troops in tucking into a U.S.-style Christmas dinner of turkey, mash and pumpkin pie. There was no alcohol however, as all the troops were still on duty.

Royal Marines on peacekeeping duty in Kabul told reporters they were missing having Christmas at home.

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Lance Corporal Alex Agafon said: "Nobody likes being away from Christmas but we have got a job to do, so we are doing it."

Corporal Dai Davies said: "We are going to have warmer Christmas than my perceptions let me believe when we were running around in the sand in the desert.

"We have got our Christmas meal and are going to make the best of it -- clearly we are missing home but that is not a problem."

The troops are in Afghanistan to pave the way for a multi-national security force expected to number up to 5,000.

The British troops had the use of satellite telephones to call their loved ones back in the UK, and received presents from home.

The highlight of the celebrations saw a team of the British troops take on U.S. troops in a game of American football.

Against the backdrop of the wrecked fighter jets which litter the airbase, the game ended in a diplomatic draw.