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Video: Kids gets bedtime
stories from serving parents

Soldiers from Canterbury’s Scots army regiment are taking part
in a project which allows them to read bedtime stories to their
kids even though they may be thousands of miles away.

The Storytime Soldiers project enables the servicemen to read
and record stories on to a compact disc which can be played back to
the children while the soldiers are away on duty.

Organised by the Riverside Children’s Centre in Canterbury, it
is a second time such a scheme is being run.

And with the soldiers in advanced preparation for duty in
Afghanistan, this year’s Storytime Soldiers has an added
poignancy.

Sgt Alan Duncan, of Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders based at
Howe Barracks, is one of those who has recorded a bedtime
story.

The soldier, who is married to Ilona and has children called
Jordan and Chloe, said: “It’s nice to be leaving something for the
kids because they can hear your voice at any time.

“It’s a great idea, and most of those in my platoon have
recorded messages for their children.”

L/Cpl John Downie has recorded a bedtime story for his son,
Zak.

He said: “All the guys are doing it – the last one proved to be
such a success. It’s great to be able to read a story to Zak before
he goes to bed even though I’m many miles away.”

The project is funded by the Home Start Canterbury, the Royal
Caledonian Schools and the NHS.

Nicola Burns from Riverside added: “The project can also
encourage parents to read to their children and spend valuable
quality time together from a very early age.”