Afghanistan-bound RIR launch band

RIR soldiers training for their tour in Afghanistan

A Royal Irish Regiment battalion being deployed to Afghanistan has launched a special wrist band to enable local people to show their support.

The band has "Wear a Royal Irish wristband to show you care!" on it.

Any money raised from its sale will go into the battalion's welfare fund, giving immediate assistance to family members in times of need.

It is the first time the entire RIR first battalion has been deployed to the war-torn region.

The 600-strong battle group will also include part-time Territorial Army soldiers from the second battalion of the regiment.

The troops are being deployed to Helmand province

They have spent months training for the mission to Helmand province, where they will be expected to do a full range of duties including frontline patrols.

The idea for the wrist band came from Lieutenant Colonel Ed Freely.

"This is great opportunity for the people of Northern Ireland to express their support for their boys and their local regiment," he said.

"When the boys know that people are behind them it's great for morale."