TROOPS were bid a fond farewell at a civic reception before they leaving to fight in Afghanistan.

About 30 representatives from Dalton Barracks, along with friends and family, attended the reception at the Guildhall, in Abbey Close, Abingdon.

The event earlier this month was just days before 4 Close Support Squadron 4 Logistic Support Regiment departed to Afghanistan for a six-month stint providing ground support to colleagues in the Helmand Province.

Servicemen and women of 31 Close Support Squadron 3 Logistic Support Regiment will be joining their colleagues later this month.

The event was organised by Alison Rooke, chairman of the Vale of White Horse District Council.

Mrs Rooke wished the troops well before there were short presentations by Captain James Beere, Captain James Fawsitt and Abingdon Station Commander Colonel David Kelly.

Mrs Rooke said: “We wish the troops well in their mission and hope that they return home safely. As a council we are proud that Dalton Barracks is located in the Vale district.”