RAF Regiment Senior Aircraftmen Gareth Jones and Ben Green both of 63 Squadron RAF Regiment based at RAF Uxbridge, Middlesex visited Pot Noodle's HQ in Leatherhead, Surrey to taste-test the 'Pot Noel'dle' on behalf of colleagues in Helmand Province, where the RAF Regiment protects airfields against Taliban attacks.
The initiative for giving UK forces a true taste of festive cheer began when RAF Honington, Suffolk-based 27 Squadron Gunner Sergeant Ian Hobbs called the national radio station's 'Christian O'Connell Breakfast Show' while on home leave last month.
Asked how the radio station could help bring a little festive cheer to his Squadron and others over Christmas, Sgt Hobbs revealed the treat his troops love most in Afghanistan is a tasty Pot Noodle.
Listeners then challenged Pot Noodle to create a Christmas Pot Noel'dle and the company immediately set their top flavourologists to work.
Resident 'noodlemeister', Grahame Walker, worked late into the night perfecting a Turkey and Stuffing flavour to give the troops a small taste of home from home and once the recipe had been perfected Managing Director Matt Burgess invited the RAF to make sure it was up to standard before delivering the first batch to RAF Honington as the first stage on their journey to Afghanistan last week.
SAC Green said:
"In my first year in the RAF I was stationed in Iraq over Christmas so I know what it's like for the lads over there and any reminder of home is a real boost.
"The support we get from the British public is just incredible and we're grateful to everyone who supported this idea. They'll make a lovely seasonal treat when the lads are out on patrol."
"We are really well fed, but often on patrols outside the wire we live off boil in the bag meals for convenience so a Pot Noodle tasting of turkey and all the trimmings will be the next best thing to Christmas Dinner!"
Senior Aircraftmen Gareth Jones
SAC Gareth Jones said:
"We are really well fed, but often on patrols outside the wire we live off boil in the bag meals for convenience so a Pot Noodle tasting of turkey and all the trimmings will be the next best thing to Christmas Dinner!"
Both the RAF airmen gave the Pot Noel'dle a ten out of ten and 2,000 Pot Noel'dles are being sent out to Afghanistan in time for Christmas with regular Pot Noodles and gift packs donated by Absolute Radio listeners.
The Pot Noel'dles will be sent to Afghanistan under a special arrangement with the Royal Air Force, not via the postal system.
Absolute Radio Breakfast Show DJ Christian O'Connell said:
"We'll do whatever we can to get behind the British Forces although I wasn't expecting Pot Noodles to top their Christmas wish list!
"What started as regular phonecall from a listener has ended with 2,000 Noel'dles being sent to Afghanistan within a matter of weeks. We've been overwhelmed by the response."
Pot Noodle MD Matt Burgess added:
"It's been a quick turnaround but we really wanted to show our support for the troops and just hope the Pot Noel'dle puts a smile on their faces this Christmas."