TROOPS from Lancashire have begun their tour of duty in Afghanistan as a ‘holding phase’ begins in the war zone.

The command of UK troops in Helmand province, Afghanistan, was officially handed over from 11 Light Brigade to 4th Mechanised Brigade this week.

More than 600 of those soldiers are from the 1st Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment making up one of the biggest sections of the brigade, which is known as the Black Rats.

The troops will be patrolling, and providing security and partnering Afghan troops.

The transfer of authority took place at Task Force Helmand headquarters in Lashkar Gah.

Sixty one members of 11 Light Brigade, who have been in command for the last six months, died during their tour of duty.

Brigadier Richard Felton of 4th Mechanised Brigade said: “We are keen to start work and enthusiastic about the difference we can make.”

It is the first time that the soldiers from 1LANCS, as they are known, have been deployed to Afghanistan.

They have spent almost two years

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