TODAY, Lancashire’s soldiers start the most dangerous mission of their lives. Some 600 soldiers from the 1st Battalion Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment have begun a six-month tour of duty in Afghanistan.

The war-torn country has claimed the lives of 278 British service personnel since the invasion in 2001.

Politicians insist that tackling the Taliban is vital to our own national security, given the terror threat against this country.

This has been the subject of strong debate nationally, and some people still question the effectiveness of the mission.

But whatever the rights and wrongs, that is nothing to do with the soldiers.

They deserve our full support – and prayers – as they put their lives on the line.

Primarily the soldiers, roughly 200 of whom are from East Lancashire, will be tasked with trying to maintain security.

But they will also complete patrols to mentor Afghan soldiers, attempt to build relations with locals and offer a visible sign of strength to insurgents.

Come October 2, when their tour of duty ends, we pray 600 soldiers step off the plane to be greeted by their families.

Our thoughts are with them.