Army Afghan tour captured on canvas

AN artist has created a new portrait depicting soldiers from 3 Rifles to be hung in their mess at Edinburgh's Redford Barracks after travelling to Afghanistan to observe the troops.

Marcus Hodge was commissioned to create the oil painting which will show members of the regiment at a local market in the town of Sangin.

Despite the tragic loss of seven men during Mr Hodge's visit, 3 Rifles still chose to portray the positive work they undertook in their six months in Sangin with the revival of the market.

The painting, which is due to be completed next month, is full of the symbols of the new Sangin the 3 Rifles were trying to help build, including images of British and Afghan soldiers working side by side, wheat sacks in place of poppies, a vibrant and safe market place, and at its centre, the face of an Afghan child to represent the country's future.

The painting commissioned to commemorate 3 Rifle's tour will measure 135cm by 255cm.