Behind the headlines, what is it like to fight in Afghanistan?

The 3rd Battalion of the Rifles Regiment has just returned from a six-month tour of duty in the country.

Among their number is Major Richard Streatfeild. During the tour, he commanded "A Company" 4 Rifles, attached to 3 Rifles in Battlegroup North, from a base in the upper Sangin valley where the heaviest of the fighting has been so far. The BBC have been be following his progress over the past months.

For a full insight into life on tour in Helmand click here for the blog on the BBC website.