Soldiers who led the operation to search for bombs in Afghanistan have been honoured today.

Around 80 members of Maidstone-based 36 Engineer Regiment (Search), who led the Afghan National Security Force Counter-IED (Improvised Explosive Device) push, were presented with medals at a ceremony at their barracks in Royal Engineers Way, Maidstone, this afternoon.

Campaign medals were given to all those who took part in the six-month deployment, which included the Commanding Officer, Lt Col Ed Robinson.

The regiment was given the new search role in 2011, and servicemen and women were trained to locate and clear the deadly devices.

Speaking at the presentation, Lt Col Ed Robinson said: "We deployed with 411 people... and 411 people came back, all alive and with all their limbs intact.

"They have done an amazing job. I am incredibly proud to be here today with them, this is the last time we will all be together.

"We cannot state enough that we are all grateful for the families and loved ones back here, many of whom are here today, who without their support we wouldn't have been able to do the job we did.

"We are celebrating all of that together. There is plenty of money behind the bar here today to help everyone celebrate."

After their six-month deployment, the troops, who included some from Denmark, will take some well-earned leave.

Following the medal ceremony, servicemen and women joined their families to let their hair down with a barbecue and drinks at the barracks.