Influential members of the British Army met with Muslim leaders in Bradford to discuss the role of the armed forces in Afghanistan.

Soldiers from the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, an Infantry regiment that recently returned from Afghanistan, gave a post-operational presentation to members of Bradford Council for Mosques.

The soldiers talked about their work with the Afghan National Security Forces and local governance in Afghanistan during the meeting at the Khidmat Centre, in Spencer Road, Lidget Green, Bradford.

The meeting comes at a time when Prime Minister David Cameron has joined other Nato leaders in signing up to an agreement which will see Afghan forces take over full responsibility for their country’s security by 2014.

Painda Khan, General Secretary of Bradford Council for Mosques, said: “We work closely with different agencies to ensure that the views, concerns and needs of Muslims are heard and addressed.

“We have been working closely with the Army for the past two years as it is one of the country’s largest organisations, offering a wide range of employment, career development and educational opportunities in Bradford and Yorkshire.

“We felt that this gathering would provide a fantastic opportunity for us to hear directly from the Army about its role.”

Lieutenant Colonel Richard Preece, Commander of Regional Recruiting for Yorkshire and the North East, said: “The Army seeks to engage with all communities and provide open explanations about the complex nature of current operations in Afghanistan.

“The partnership of mutual respect established with the Bradford Council of Mosques is an excellent example of how a two-way dialogue brings greater understanding from both sides and allows the Army to continue to build relationships with all faith groups.”