Riflemen from the first Battalion 1 Rifles have officially begun their six month tour of Afghanistan. Having just completed their final training and acclimatisation in theatre, the battalion has now formally taken over command of Nahr-E Saraj south.

For the last six months, the contested area has been in the hands of 2nd battalion the Parachute Regiment who are now preparing to leave, having completed their tour of duty.

Over the summer months, 1 Rifles will aim to build upon the success of 2 Para and continue to improve the security situation for local Afghans living in NES south.

It's almost two years since the men and women of 1 Rifles were last in Helmand. During that tour they worked as specialist mentors to the Afghan National Army (ANA).

This time, the battalion - who are based in Beachley Barracks, Chepstow - will be playing a key role in further developing the ANA. They are deployed as a Combined Force battlegroup, partnered with the 6th Kandak (Afghan Battalion equivalent) of the ANA's 3/215 Brigade and Afghan national and local police forces.

The official handover from 2 Para was marked first by an Afghan dinner hosted by the paratroopers to which the Riflemen, and officers and NCOs from the partnered Afghan forces were invited.

During the festivities speeches were made, gifts exchanged, fallen comrades remembered and friendships cemented.

The evening meal was followed the next morning with the formal transfer of authority during a short flag changing ceremony in patrol base 2 in Paind Kalay.

Lieutenant Colonel Andy Harrison MBE, commanding officer 2 Para said: "It has been a tough winter but I am extremely proud of what we have achieved as a battlegroup.

"We leave NES South with more capable and competent Afghan security forces who are increasingly taking the lead providing security for their people.

As we prepare to leave, we remember those who will not be returning with us and the sacrifice they made."

Lieutenant Colonel James de Labilliere DSO MBE, commanding officer 1 Rifles said: "Over the last six months, 2 Para have achieved enviable progress both in the development of the ANA and ANP and in making this a much safer place to live.

"Being here over the summer will be very different and in many ways more challenging. For many of the Riflemen who've been deployed on Herrick 14, this is their third tour of the country and they will use their experience of the terrain, the culture and the people to build upon the success of our predecessors."