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by Martin Jefferies

Onlookers flocked to a Maidstone gardens today as a statue
honouring Kent troops serving in Afghanistan was unveiled.

Troops marched to Brenchley Gardens ahead of the unveiling of
the £20,000 statue.

The 6ft bronze is of a soldier with the town's 36 Engineer
Regiment returning to base after searching out and destroying
improvised explosive devices.

It has been unveiled 12 days before Remembrance Sunday
and has been paid for partly by donations from local people.

fallen soldiers

36 engineer regiment has lost six soldiers since the war in afghanistan began in 2001.

spr ishwor gurung died when his troop came under enemy fire while building an observation post in shahzad in august 2010. he had been serving with 69 gurkha field squadron, 21 engineer regiment group, at the time.

spr guy mellors and wo2 david markland were killed in two separate explosions just one week apart in helmand province in february 2010.

spr mark smith died in a suspected friendly fire incident in sangin five months later.

l cpl jake alderton died when his vehicle left the road while crossing a bridge in sangin in november 2007.

the first of the regiment to be killed in the conflict was l cpl ivano violino. he died in an explosion near gereshk in september 2007.

Cllr Chris Garland, leader of Maidstone Borough Council, said:
"36 Engineer Regiment has not only played an important part in the
life of the town for more than 60 years but has proudly defended
our nation in times of crisis.

"The statue commemorates their valour and their association with
Maidstone."

Lt Col Simon Hulme MBE, commanding officer of 36 Engineer
Regiment, said before the service: "It's an honour and a privilege
to serve in a town which has taken us to its heart and this statue
is a perfect symbol of the relationship we have with the local
community.

"We're extremely grateful for all the support we receive which
helps us to go out and do our jobs to the best of our ability."

36 Engineer Regiment is based at Invicta Park Barracks and is
home to the world renowned Queen's Gurkha Engineers.

The statue has been created by Sussex sculptor Mary Cox, who was
also commissioned to design the statue of a Gurkha soldier,
unveiled on the opposite side of Maidstone Museum three years
ago.