THE free poster in this week’s County Gazette is your opportunity to show your support for the Royal Marines of 40 Commando as they prepare to deploy to Afghanistan.

We’ve teamed up with Royal Marines charity Go Commando to bring you the latest version of our successful Shoulder to Shoulder poster.

Displaying the poster is a way of showing your solidarity for the troops and their families of Norton Manor Camp, near Taunton, before, during and after the operation, which begins in a matter of weeks.

Back in 2010, our Shoulder to Shoulder poster proved highly successful with readers who put them up in their homes, cars and businesses.

WO1 Eric ‘Monty’ Montgomery, second in command of base company at Norton Manor, told the County Gazette: “We are really grateful for the support for the Commandos, which has been outstanding.

“If people were to display posters again this time, I’m sure it would have a positive effect. We’re also very grateful for the work Go Commando does to support us.”

County Gazette editor Alex Cameron said: “The last tour claimed the lives of 14 members of 40 Commando and we know the show of support from the people of Taunton and Somerset was really appreciated by the Marines overseas and their family back home. We’re proud of the Commandos and here’s a good way to show that you’re thinking of them and their families and they embark on another important operation.”

Debbie Howarth, Go Commando PR and events manager, added: “We’re really pleased to be associated with the Shoulder to Shoulder poster and hope people will show their support for 40 Commando.

“We’d like to thank the UK Hydrographic Office and Cotleigh Brewery for their help in producing the poster.”

Keep reading for updates on Go Commando initiatives and more from 40 Commando as they prepare to deploy.

And why not send us a photo of you and your poster, wherever it may be – just take a snap on your camera or phone and email it to newsdesk@countygazette.co.uk so we can publish it in the County Gazette.