ESSEX-based soldiers preparing to head out to Afghanistan received a visit from their honorary colonel yesterday.

ESSEX-based soldiers preparing to head out to Afghanistan received a visit from their honorary colonel yesterday.

Major General Christopher Brown CBE, Honorary Colonel of 7 Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, paid a visit to the troops at Colchester's Goojerat Barracks.

More than 380 troops from 7 Para RHA will be deploying to the troubled Helmand Province later this month as part of 16 Air Assault Brigade, which has its headquarters in the town.

The troops are among 2,500 based in Colchester set to spend six months in Afghanistan and the honorary colonel was being given a view of changes made to the regiment's main weapon - the 105mm light gun.

Lieutenant Colonel James Learmont, commanding officer of 7 Para RHA, said: “Our pre-deployment training has been first class and well resourced and we could want for no better equipment.

“We are now fully prepared and focussed on the forthcoming tour and will provide the necessary support to the Afghan Security Forces as well as robust protection of our own forces.”