AN army officer from Malvern is one of more than 500 soldiers from the Worcestershire and Sher-wood Foresters currently serving in Afghanistan.

Major Andrew Wadland, aged 38, is chief of staff for the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT), based in the city of Mazar-e-Sharif in the north of the country.

The PRT is helping to provide a safe framework in which the Afghans can rebuild their own country.

"We work alongside the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and it is an important focus for the British government. I am responsible for co-ordinating operations on a wide geographical scale," said Major Wadland.

He originally came to Malvern when he was posted to QinetiQ, and liked it so much than he made it his home.

He lives in the town with his wife Lynn and children Marcus, six, and Olivia, 18 months.

"Leaving my family behind was hard and I am looking forward to getting home but the Army gives us free mail, free internet access and free phone calls, so it is easy to communicate with my wife.

"The Army is like a big family and we get a great deal of support, not only to us but to our families back home."

Major Wadland has served in the regiment for 13 years and his postings have included Kenya, Portugal, Jordan, UAE, Canada and Cyprus.

The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters Regiment has had a successful tour so far, and its tasks have included providing security for the local elections around Mazar-e-Sharif.

Major Wadland is confident for the future of Afghanistan.

"All the indications are good. It has been a privilege and is highly rewarding to be part of the birth of a new nation where people have been able to vote freely for the first time."

The regiment, which has been in Afghanistan since September, is due to return to England in April.