SOLDIERS packed a church for a special pre-deployment church service ahead of their tour of duty in Afghanistan.

Members of Colchester’s 16 Air Assault Brigade were given words of comfort and support, by padre and brigade chaplain the Rev Andrew Totten, at St Peter’s Church, North Hill, Colchester, on Thursday.

He said: “After all the training and preparation this church service was a time to gather our thoughts and reflect.

“I think it is meaningful for chaplains across the different regiments. I will be deploying with the troops for my first time in Afghanistan, but my seventh operational tour.

“This was an opportunity for the soldiers to take a moment from preparations, make time for some quiet reflection to consider the challenges laying ahead and a say a prayer for their loved ones.

“It is tremendous and I hope the soldiers took something away from the service.”

He added: “St Peter’s has a long history with the garrison and many a pre-deployment service and returning service which we look forward to as a happy time.”

Also involved in the service were the 216 Parachute Signals Squadron, 16 Medical Regiment and 156 Provost Company Royal Military Police, all of which are based at the Colchester Garrison.

Music was provided by the band of the Parachute Regiment.