NORTH West soldiers are currently part of the largest battle group in Helmand province.

The 1st Battalion of the Duke of Lancaster's Regiment has around 1,500 soldiers in Afghanistan’s Hel mand province fighting Taliban insurgents.

Sergeant Major Roger Martin, 37, who left his home in Burton-in-Kendal in the Lake District to join the army aged 16, said a mixture of experience and training was part of the reason why so many of the battalion's soldiers were asked to join a six-month tour in Helmand.

Welfare of soldiers and ensuring they have the right equipment is key to maintaining the high standards within the regiment, he said.

He said: “The 1st Battalion is the biggest battle group in Helmand and we have a major footprint here even compared to the Royal Marines.

“This could be because of the experience we have got.

"We have carried out a great amount of training, we have tested out combat control, joined leadership talks in Canada.

“But we are only as good as our boys. If they mess up, we mess up.

“Techniques such as courageous restraint are taught to the soldiers.”

Courageous restraint is a strategy introduced in January where troops are urged to fire an initial warning shot in case the person in their sights is a civilian.

Sgt Major Martin is also responsible for ensuring soldiers have the necessary supplies on the front line.

He said: “It's vital, without this they can't work. Myself and the company forward make sure the lads have their rest and recovery, for example.

“The first battalion has strong core values such as loyalty.

“We have rehearsed every single thing they do.”

* Click on the link below for more stories by Nafeesa Shan in Afghanistan.