FOLLOWING a gruelling six month tour in Afghanistan, a soldier from West Wickham has been awarded a medal for his efforts during the campaign.

Lance Corporal Ashley Wiles, aged 20, played a key role as a communications advisor to the Afghan Army, as part of a mission to prepare Afghans for taking over the security of their country.

The former Langley Park School for Boys student was deployed with 207 Signals Squadron across Helmand Province in March.

Describing his role as a communications systems operator, Lance Corporal Wiles said: “We helped them with general communications skills, setting up antennas, using radios and voice procedures.

"It was difficult to begin with and we had to overcome cultural differences and the language barrier. But it was a worthwhile tour. It’s good to help people and to see them progress and develop throughout the six months.”

Lance Corporal Wiles, who joined the army in 2007, received his medal from Hohne Garrison Deputy Commander (Late Royal Signals) Colonel Paul Eaton at a special ceremony at his barracks in Bergen Hohne, northern Germany.

Prior to deployment, he had completed a range of training exercises in Germany, the UK, Kenya, Canada and the Czech Republic.

He said: “I am proud of what we are doing out there. I enjoyed the tour a lot. I went out on patrols everyday advising the Afghans - they would lead and we would follow.

"It’s not about doing their job for them - it’s about partnering them, with them taking the lead.

“I feel a great sense of pride at getting my medal, it is my first medal and I feel I have achieved something special. I will now spend my leave in the UK with friends and family.”