Gurkha soldiers from Kent have helped clear bombs from the route for a major road which will change lives in Afghanistan.

First Battalion Royal Gurkha Rifles, based at Shorncliffe barracks in Folkestone, have been trying to make the route safe for people in the village of Babaji, in troubled Helmand province.

Insurgents had planted improvised explosive devices but by working with the local community the Gurkhas managed to clear it.

Major Charlie Crowe, the officer commanding B Coy 1 RGR, said: "The road’s very important; it’s the main effort for the Battle Group and the Brigade.

"It’s pretty simple but it brings with it enormous benefits to each of the villages it passes through.

"The villagers will then have an artery through which they can sell their produce, come and go, or use the facilities and hospitals in Gereshk or Lashkar Gah.

"It’s something visible – a real sign of progress which the villagers can see outside their door."