SOLDIERS from the region's own Army regiment helped their Afghan counterparts escape a gun battle with Taliban insurgents, as efforts to improve security in the war zone continue.

Members of 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, formerly the Green Howards, which recruits heavily from the North-East and North Yorkshire, are mentoring the Afghan National Army (ANA).

Afghan soldiers based in the town of Sangin were on patrol with their British comrades recently, when they came under attack from machine gun fire.

The aim of the patrol had been to discuss crop issues and education with civilians.

After consulting their British mentors, the ANA went on the offensive and pushed towards the enemy.

The Afghan soldiers secured a small village and reassured locals before moving north and locating the enemy firing point a few hundred metres away.

Enemy fire intensified, but the ANA warriors and their British comrades pushed on and reached the enemy position with no casualties, only to find that the insurgents had fled.

The area where the gun battle took place is contested ground for the ANA, as the Taliban regularly seeks to intimidate local residents there.

Lieutenant Ian Atkins, of 2nd Battalion the Yorkshire Regiment, also known as 2 Yorks, has been helping to mentor ANA troops.

He said, in addition to improving the Afghans' fighting skills, he sees his role as building relationships with locals.

Lt Atkins said: "They [the ANA] do things in a different way.

"I wouldn't say it is a worse way, it is just their method of doing things.

"My main effort is working on the understanding that solving the problem, especially in Sangin, is not just about going out and fighting the enemy - which is what the ANA love to do and it's what they are very good at.

"It is more about getting the ANA to see the importance of working with the local nationals.

"Getting their support is important."

Members of 2 Yorks offer advice and training where needed, to increase the effectiveness of the indigenous army.

Security is improving in the area, with a new patrol base having been established, and local mosques and schools being reopened and refurbished.