L/Cpl Jake Alderton died when his vehicle rolled off a bridge

Their work has involved helping local people to rebuild the country's infrastructure in conditions they describe as "very testing".

The troops arrived at Invicta Park Barracks, Maidstone on Friday afternoon after flying back to the UK.

Two members of the regiment lost their lives during the tour.

A book of condolence has been opened in Maidstone in tribute to Lance Corporals Jake Alderton and Ivano Violino.

L/Cpl Alderton, 22, from Bexley, south-east London, died in November when the vehicle he was travelling in rolled off a bridge near the town of Sangin.

L/Cpl Violino, 29, from Salford, Greater Manchester, was killed in September in an explosion which hit his logistics convoy near Gereshk.

L/Cpl Violino died when an explosion his logistics convoy

Mayor of Maidstone, Richard Ash, said the town had a close relationship with the Army.

"We have a very close affinity with the Engineering Regiment and the Gurkha Regiment, which is associated with the Engineers," he said.

The book of condolence is still open, and will be presented to the regiment in due course.

Mr Ash said many people had signed it.

"I have taken it out into the Chequers Centre, where we had a fantastic response, and it has been round the council and parish council meetings," he said.

"People have also been coming to the Town Hall in quite large numbers."