A CWMBRAN sailor who has been deployed over Christmas has sent a special message home from the Far East.

Able Seaman Grant Coleman, 21, who works as a chef, will be in Singapore over Christmas serving on Royal Navy Type 45 destroyer HMS Daring which was the first UK warship to arrive in the Philippines after the devastating typhoon.

The Portsmouth-based ship will be alongside Singapore during the festive period with sailors being able to call and Skype their families from ashore.

HMS Daring most recently took part in Operation Patwin where she was the first UK warship to arrive at the Philippines following the devastating typhoon.

She gave immediate assistance to communities on remote islands – delivering food, water, tarpaulins and shelter kits as well as providing medical care with medics from Save the Children.

Mr Coleman usually spends Christmas Day with his parent and brother.

He said: “We then either go to my grandparents’ house or they come to see us. We’ll go to the pub for a few drinks, have Christmas dinner and then open presents.”

This year he will be tucking into his turkey dinner with her shipmates served up by the officers under Naval tradition.

Leaving a Christmas message for his family, He said: “I'd like to wish everyone at home a Merry Christmas and let them know that I want them to enjoy the day without thinking about me not being there. Also keep a bottle of champagne on ice for when I’m back.”