Bradford's part-time soldiers have been called up to join British troops fighting in Afghanistan.

Members of the 30-strong Royal Engineers of the Territorial Army, based at Belle Vue Barracks in Manningham Lane, are to be deployed in the warzone next spring.

A selection of Bradford soldiers from the satellite 2 troop of 106 Field Squadron are expected to join their counterparts based in Sheffield, both of 72 Engineer Regiment.

Their role will be to support the work of the British Army during Operation Herrick in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. Part of their duties will include working with explosives to help disrupt enemy operations.

Major Paul Roden of 72 Engineer Regiment said: "We have received a calling order and are providing the training for a troop of 40 to be deployed alongside the regular army in Afghanistan on a nine-month tour.

"It's the first time for the engineers in Bradford; normally they have gone out in ones and twos as augmentees.

"Training is now based around operations out there, including ordnance work. They are up for it and their families are behind them."

The soldiers were on standby for deployment in 2010 but the date has been moved forward. An official list of individuals chosen for mobilisation has yet to be announced.

British troops have been operating in Afghanistan since October, 2001, during which time 94 service personnel or Ministry of Defence civilians have died while serving in the country.