THERE will be a special service marking the return of the UK forces from Afghanistan.

At Prime Minister’s Questions South Dorset MP Richard Drax asked the Prime Minister whether there would be any commemoration of the Armed Forces’ service in Afghanistan.

The former Coldstream Guards officer said: “I know that I do not need to remind the House that 453 members of our Armed Forces have lost their lives in Afghanistan, and many, many more were wounded, some seriously.

“And although we have brought most of our troops home, the 400 men and women of 2 Rifles are still serving with great distinction in Kabul in support of government forces.

“Would my Right Honorable Friend agree with me that it’s time we recognised the efforts of all those who served in this war with a commemorative event.”

To which PM David Cameron replied and paid tribute to the ‘extraordinary contribution’ made by the armed forces in Afghanistan over the last 13 years.

He said: “I very much agree with my honourable friend. All British combat troops left Afghanistan by the end of last year, fulfilling the commitment that I made almost five years ago.

“On Monday, my Right Honourable friend, the Defence Secretary welcomed to Parliament the final homecoming parade of our troops deployed in Afghanistan, and today.

“I am pleased to announce that we will hold a special service of commemoration in St Paul’s Cathedral and a military parade on March 13 to mark the end of combat operations in Afghanistan.”

Mr Drax said afterwards that he was delighted the government would be publically thinking of the troops.

He said: “They deserve our profoundest thanks.”