Volunteer soldiers ‘are saving lives in the UK’

The whole country owes a massive thank you to the volunteer soldiers of the F Company of the 4th Battalion, The Mercian Regiment for the excellent work they have done in Afghanistan.

International development minister Mike Foster said their efforts in Helmand have helped to protect the lives of citizens back home and that they should be very proud, the Burton Mail reported.

Troops from the company formed part of the first Territorial Army unit to be involved in major front-line combat in Afghanistan.

Mr Foster said the people of Burton should be very proud of their brave boys and girls.

"The battalion, many of whom are based in Burton, have served their country with honour and distinction and I can only offer my personal respect and gratitude to those who have risked their lives for the safety and security of Britain," he told the newspaper.

Gina Anderson, mother of 19-year-old soldier Declan, told the Bridgwater Mercury recently that she couldn’t be any prouder of her boy for his work in Afghanistan.

Post office Trevor Smith