The Armed forces minister has paid tribute to the Plymouth based personnel who have lost their lives in Afghanistan.

Nick Harvey was in Plymouth at the weekend to reveal that in 2012, the city will host the national Armed forces day events.

It's likely to be a big boost for the city's economy and could mean a member of the Royal family will be in attendance.

Around 1200 Plymouth based personnel are currently serving in Helmand Province - four marines have been killed in the last few weeks.

Mr Harvey paid tribute to them and said the withdrawal of British troops is on course for completion in 2014.

But he added that it would not be wise to rush the withdrawal, as it would put the handover process and those serving at greater risk.