Prince Charles visit boosts troops’ morale

Troops were boosted by a visit from the Prince of Wales, who went to a mock forward operating base in the UK.

Prince Charles visited the training camp on Salisbury Plain, meeting around 2,000 troops who were preparing for the conditions in Afghanistan.

One sergeant, Mark Lomas, 38, said that the royal appearance boosted his morale, adding: "It makes you realise the people of the UK are looking at us as well."

For Sergeant Andy Hawkins, 31, it was the second meeting, after he was sent a bottle of whisky from the future king ten years ago, after meeting him when recovering from injuries gained in a posting in Cyprus.

"It was good to see him. It’s a good feeling knowing we are going to Afghanistan with the backing of the prince and the country," Mr Hawkins added.

Prince Charles recently presented medals to members of Black Watch at Fort George, near Inverness. Families of those lost in the war also received the Elizabeth Cross to honour their loss.

Posted by Samantha Thompson