An army major due to be deployed to Afghanistan next month has said the knowledge that Armed Forces Week is being observed back home makes it easier for troops in the front line to do their jobs.

Major Will Leek of the Light Dragoons, based at the Robertson Barracks in Swanton Morley, near Dereham, was speaking after Breckland's civic leaders observed a minute's silence and raised the armed forces flag at the start of the celebration.

He said: 'I think with the regiment deployed it does re-enforce to us how much support we get from the nation and from the local population in particular. The fact that there's this national recognition does make doing a difficult job slightly easier.'

Breckland Council chairman Robin Goreham said the ceremony on Monday morning was a 'tangible sign of our appreciation of the sacrifices made by our armed forces past and serving', and demonstrated the close relationship with the Dragoons and RAF Marham.

Rowland Hall of the Dereham and District Royal British Legion said: 'It's very important to remember that people have given their lives and been crippled. What seems a distance away to some people is happening in our town. The more help we can give the lads the better it is. They really appreciate it.'