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A number of soldiers from Staffordshire are gearing up to help the war effort in Afghanistan.More than 600 troops from the Third Battalion (Staffords) Mercian Regiment will fly to Helmand Province next year, This Is Staffordshire reports.The servicemen are currently preparing for the mission by training in Canada - where conditions have been set up to replicate the terrain they will encounter in Afghanistan.Private Phil Hansell, 18, told the news provider: "I will be going to Afghanistan next year. It will be good and will make me a better soldier."Army information officer Jan Kemal noted the training in Canada will stand them in good stead as they will be supporting the battle group, patrolling villages and meeting locals.Councillor Tracey Dixon, from South Tyneside Council, recently described the armed forces as the forefront of what Britain stands for and what it does, adding the public are very keen to show their appreciation.Posted by Trevor Smith