A SOLDIER from Worcester is serving in the troubled southern Helmand province in Afghanistan.

Originally an Elgar High School pupil, Lance Corporal Mark Brooks, aged 25, has served with A Company, 1st Battalian Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment for five-and-a- half years.

Although it is his second time in Afghanistan, it is his first time in the southern Helmand province, where he is based in the town of Sangin.

He said: "It's not as I expected. The tempo of life is still very high, but we have seen little trouble and this can only be a good thing.

"We are very aware this can change overnight."

Having already travelled with the batallion to Belize, Cyprus, Kenya and Northern Ireland, L/Cpl Brooks said that Afghanistan is the most challenging.

"Sangin has a certain reputation and can be a very volatile place, but after recent successes, it has become really quiet."

The work in Afghanistan will have particular poignance, as it will be the last mission as the Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters before they re-badge as the 2nd Mercian Regiment in September. L/Cpl Brooks will return with the batallion to Cavalry Barracks in Hounslow, London, in October.