THE public will get the chance to hear from the commanding officer of a North-East Army battalion fresh from a tour of Afghanistan next week.

Lieutenant Colonel Nick Kitson will give an illustrated talk at Durham Town Hall on Wednesday, as part of 3 Rifles homecoming celebrations.

The commanding officer will give an in-depth account of the recent 3 Rifles Battle Group deployment in Helmand province.

Topics will include the dayto- day life of British soldiers in Afghanistan and the relationship between 3 Rifles, the Afghan army, the Afghan government and the local people.

Lt Col Kitson will also discuss the military tactics used by 3 Rifles in the fight against the Taliban in the notorious district of Sangin.

During the Rifles’ sevenmonth tour, 30 soldiers were killed – the biggest loss of life in a battle group for 60 years.

Many other soldiers suffered life-changing injuries.

Lt Col Kitson’s talk will raise money for the Care for Causalities charity, set up to help soldiers injured in Afghanistan.

Lt Col Kitson yesterday told The Northern Echo he felt guilty standing up and taking the credit for the work of the unit. However, he said he believed it was important to tell the story of the great job done by the riflemen.

He added: “I think it’s vitally important to take every opportunity I can to give any willing audience a greater understanding of our role in Afghanistan.”

The senior officer said he was glad to be home, adding: “It was a life-changing experience for all of us.

“I’m relieved to be back, although, in some respects, life was simpler out there.”

Lt Col Kitson said he felt great pride from doing a good job in challenging circumstances.

Before the talk on Wednesday, 3 Rifles will be conferred with the Freedom of the Borough of Darlington when they take part in a Freedom March through the town centre.

Tickets for Lt Col Kitson’s talk cost £10. Send a cheque payable to The Society of Friends of the DLI Museum, to Lt Col John Heron, DLI Museum, Aykley Heads, Durham City, DH1 5TU.