Tyne Tees Afghanistan

Commenting on the death of a British soldier in Afghanistan, the Commanding Officer of 32 Engineer Regiment Group, Lieutenant Colonel Steve Davies, said:

"The tragic death of this committed and professional sapper has hit the Task Force Helmand Engineer Group hard; the Corps has lost a rising star, and his Squadron has lost a respected comrade and friend.

"At this most difficult time, our thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones.”

The serviceman's next of kin have been informed.

Hundreds of supporters lined the streets of Morpeth to welcome soldiers home from their final tour of Afghanistan.

The 1st Battalion, the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers marched through the town's streets earlier this morning.

An inquest into the death of a soldier from Washington is due to take place today, November 12. Sapper Richard Walker was 23 when he was killed in Afghanistan in January 2013.

The soldier died during his first deployment in the Nahr-e Saraj district of Helmand.

The 28 Royal Engineer died and six others were injured when a rogue Afghan soldier opened fire.

Soldiers from a North east regiment have been celebrating with their families after returning from their last tour of Afghanistan.

Seventy gunners from "Battle Axe" Company received their operational service medals at Albermarle Barracks near Newcastle.

Forty one soldiers from our region have died in Afghanistan since troops were deployed there in 2001. Many were killed by improvised explosive devices.

An exhibition has opened at the National Army Museum in London to show how dangerous the bombs can be. David Wood has been speaking to the soldiers whose memories helped create the exhibition.

Senior Aircraftman Ben Townsend is a communications technician. Along with his colleagues in 2 Squadron, 90 Signals Unit, they're in training for their tour in Afghanistan.

Ben will have extra advice at hand because his dad, Mark, is a Warrant Officer within the same Signals Unit and is already out in Afghanistan. Their paths will cross for a few days before his Dad heads home.

Ben's Squadron leaves next month and after his tour of duty, the Townsends will be reunited before Christmas.

"There is always a potential threat that something might happen, so if anything was to happen to us, then we always have to know that everyone is trained and your colleagues are at your back.

"It will be good. I am sure he will show me all the ropes when I am out there anyway but it will be nice to see him and catch up. Obviously we have only been in contact on the phone every now and then."

Hundreds of soldiers who've just returned from Afghanistan have had their efforts recognised by His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh.

The troops based at Catterick received their Operational Medals from Prince Philip in a ceremony at the garrison as Julia Barthram reports.

More than 100 soldiers have returned safely to their base in North Yorkshire following a tour of duty in Afghanistan.

The soldiers from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery were met by their families at Alanbrooke Barracks, near Thirsk, last night.

The 'North East Gunners' had been helping to train Afghan special forces as the withdrawal of British troops continues.

You can watch the full report from Jonny Blair below.

Troops from 4th Regiment Royal Artillery have returned to Alanbrooke Barracks after a six month tour of Afghanistan.

More than one hundred soldiers have safely returned to their base in North Yorkshire following a six month tour of Afghanistan.

Troops from the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery arrived at Alanbrooke Barracks where they were greeted by loved ones.