Ray of sunshine for British troops in Afghanistan

Hollywood hardman Ray Winstone has been so touched by the sacrifice made by British troops he has flown to Afghanistan to pass on his thanks personally. The star paid a visit to soldiers at Camp Bastion in the aftermath of one of the toughest summers British troops have ever experienced in Helmand Province. When asked why he wanted to visit Afghanistan he said: "I just want to come here, as a representative of the UK public, to thank the boys and girls." Winstone, who is renowned for his roles as the archetypal British gangster, spent his first day in the hands of the men and women who deal with explosive devices for real. He took time to talk to the soldiers, sailors and airmen about their experiences this summer and to have photographs taken with anyone who wanted one.

» More on this story... «

ITN | September 17, 2009

Tags:. .personally. .men. .real. .hardman. .flown