The chairman of Watford Borough Council watched British troops in training as they prepare to return to the front line.

Councillor Alan Burtenshaw travelled to the Stanford Battle Training Area, near Thetford, to meet members of the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Anglian Regiment, who recruit from across Hertfordshire.

The troop, nicknamed The Poachers and who marched through Watford town centre last year, will be based in Cyprus before arriving in Afghanistan. They had previously served a tour of duty in Iraq.

Councillor Burtenshaw said: “It was a great privilege to meet the soldiers and watch the very thorough training being carried out which will hopefully stand them in good stead in the months to come.

“One of the exercises took place in a purpose built 'Afghan' village complete with villagers and other foreign troops. Some of us were lucky enough to travel in an armoured personnel carrier, rather cramped if you were wearing full equipment, but fortunately we only had helmets on.

“What struck me was the amount and weight of equipment that each soldier carries, no wonder fitness is paramount.”

During his visit last Thursday, June 24, Councillor Burtenshaw also met two young soldiers from Watford, who were both former pupils of Francis Combe School, in Horseshoe Lane, Garston.