THE war-ravaged countryside of Afghanistan has provided the dramatic backdrop for a tour of duty for two Bolton soldiers.

They have patrolled the streets of Kabul and the surrounding rural region, working under the constant threat of attack by extremists.

Gunners Shaun Ollerton, aged 24, and Gavin Sweeney, aged 23, have been part of the International Security Assistance Force that has been serving in the Afghan capital.

They both belong to 19 Regiment Royal Artillery, also known as "The Highland Gunners".

The soldiers have just returned home from their tour of duty, patrolling Kabul's streets, cracking down on violent crime and keeping on alert for an attack by terrorists.

Another key duty was to make sure the Afghan "Grand Council" of leaders went off peacefully.

They had to be on special alert that day after a mystery rocket attack had shook a Kabul suburb earlier in the day.

Gunner Ollerton is a former pupil of Withins School, Breightmet, and has been in the Army since 1996. He has previously served in Bosnia and Canada. He will keep distinct memories from this trip.

He said: "My big memory from Kabul will be the kids. They look terrible, absolutely filthy. They have constantly followed us on patrol begging for chocolate.

"It is annoying after a while, but I look at them and think about my own daughter and I do feel sorry for them."

Gunner Sweeney has also been in the Army for six years. His postings include Cyprus, Corsica and even Benidorm. He has seen the horrors of war in Bosnia, but said he feels the devastation in Kabul is much worse.

He said: "I can't get over how much damage there has been. But the patrols have really made a difference. The people are really happy that there is peace and stability here now. All they want to do is get on with their lives." Gunner Ollerton agreed with his colleague, and added: "We've seen a lot of changes in four months.

"I think people have hope for the future now."