Soldiers from the 1st Battalion of the Green Howards are to return to Afghanistan after 85 years.

Officers have just returned from a reconnaissance trip, paving the way for a six-month deployment later this year.

It will be the first visit by the regiment to Afghanistan since 1919, when it took part in the Third Afghan War.

The trip was led by Lieutenant-Colonel Jim Willis, who takes over as Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion.

With him was his second-in command, Major Simon Fovargue and representatives of the four Green Howards' companies that will be stationed in Afghanistan between April and October.

A and B Companies will be working with the UN-mandated International Security Assistance Force, which is helping the Afghan Transitional Authority (ATA) to maintain security in Kabul and the surrounding areas.

The work is not part of the continuing operations against the Taliban and al-Qaida terrorists.

C Company will be in the north of the country as part of the UK Provincial Reconstruction Team to help the ATA to expand its influence in the provinces.