ARMY commandos from Worcestershire are heavily involved in the running of operations in Afghanistan, planning artillery and air strikes.

Major Andrew Clarke and Captain Chris Hancock are half-way through a six-month tour with 29 Commando Royal Artillery in Helmand Province.

Both men have county links, as Maj Clarke is a former Stourport schoolboy and Capt Hancock is a former pupil of The Downs, Malvern College Prep school (formerly Hillstone) at Colwall.

The officers are part of the command team co-ordinating air strikes, mortar and artillery barrages and planning operations, in what is known as the Joint Fires and Targeting Group based at Lashkar Gah.

Maj Clarke, aged 37, is the group’s chief of staff and Capt Hancock, aged 32, as adjutant, makes sure the group has the manpower to get the job done.

Maj Clarke’s job is the routine command and control of about 450 soldiers in Helmand.

He is in charge of planning and executing artillery and mortar strikes, and close air support for the infantry from Apache attack helicopters and fighter-bomber warplanes.

Maj Clarke says fighting has been “relativity quiet compared to historical norms” but feels that British troops are making a positive difference for Afghans.

“Our soldiers continue to win the hearts and minds of the locals and are doing a fantastic job, however we must not forget the tremendous sacrifices being made by those deployed out here,” he said.

Both men have passed the arduous All Arms Commando Course, gaining the right to wear the coveted Commandos green beret and serve alongside the Royal Marines of 3 Commando Brigade.

Between them, they have 23 years’ experience in the British Army, with previous deployments in Afghanistan, Iraq, Bosnia and Sierra Leone.

As well as looking forward to spending time with their families, both men are keen skiers and are hoping to swap the dust of Afghanistan for the slopes when their tour ends in October.