SOLDIERS from Tynedale’s only regular army regiment are nearing the end of two very different deployments.

A total of 110 soldiers from the 3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, based at Albemale Barracks near Harlow Hill, have taken part in a live firing range exercise in Kenya, while a further 60 have been battling freezing temperatures in Norway.

The Norwegian exercise, where temperatures dropped to -20C with wind chill, has seen the regiment take part in a major NATO training exercise, deployed with 4th Infantry Brigade from Catterick and Danish and Polish units.

Meanwhile, the troops in Kenya have been supporting the Irish Guards for the past seven weeks.

Now nearing the end of their time in Africa, the soldiers have been awarded a period of downtime, with some choosing to retreat to safari lodges and others taking part in activities such as rock climbing and cliff jumping.

The regiment will be returning to Tynedale later this week, in time to parade at 14 locations across the region for Remembrance Sunday, including Hexham.

Commanding Officer of 3 RHA, Lt Col Chris Gent, himself deployed in Norway, said: “These are fantastic training serials and showcase everything the Army has to offer – travel, adventure and opportunity with lifelong colleagues and friends – which really counts when you are facing such tough environmental conditions in either Norway or Kenya.

“Our number one rule within the regiment is that we always look after our own.

“We will start making our way home soon, where our focus will turn to supporting 14 different locations across the region for Remembrance Sunday.

“Once again I look forward to being on parade in Hexham, where the marching contingent this year is drawn from C Battery RHA.”