HAMPSHIRE’S soldiers, nicknamed The Tigers, met their animal counterparts after returning to the UK for the first time since their three-month tour of Afghanistan.

Twenty soldiers serving with C Company, Second Battalion, The Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment (2 PWRR), paid a visit to Marwell wildlife park to raise awareness of the local regiment.

The soldiers, who are currently based in Cyprus, had been deployed over Christmas to help reinforce operations in Afghanistan.

Local soldier Lance Cpl Jason Whale, 28, from Hedge End, said, “It’s great to be back home in Hampshire. Though I do enjoy being based out in Cyprus I do miss my family and friends over here.”

A former pupil at Wyvern Community School, Lance Cpl Whale has served with 2 PWRR for ten years. On his return to the UK next year, he will be based in Catterick, taking up the role of an infantry training instructor.