skyep - unfortunately, it is not as straightforward as I had hoped. I got through to the BFPO help line and they said any parcel up to a maximum of 2kg is sent free of charge. The problem is they prefer it if you address the parcel to a certain soldier, in previous years if you address it to an anonymous soldier for distribution then it causes major delays with the rest of the soldiers' christmas post.
The second problem is that the BFPO have just moved offices from Mill Hill to Northolt so there is a major upheaval.
The lady suggested I ring my local barracks or army recruitment office for the name of a local soldier who could benefit from a gift. If I have problems at that end then I should ring the BFPO in a weeks time when things have settled down to see if they can help further.
Hope this helps a little.
PS the phone number for the BFPO help line is 08457 697 978.
I shall keep you informed.