ROYAL Marines from Taunton-based 40 Commando have handed over responsibility for security in arguably the most dangerous area of Afghanistan to American forces.

Troops from 40 Commando are among the 1,000 Royal Marines and other personnel who are being redeployed to central Helmand province.

In total, 337 UK troops have died in Sangin since 2001 - a third of all UK deaths - and in the last tour alone, 40 Commando has lost 14 servicemen.

Taunton MP Jeremy Browne, in a speech at the LibDem conference in Liverpool this week, praised the contribution of 40 Commando Royal Marines.

He said: “They will be returning home to Taunton this autumn without 14 of their men, who have fought and died in an inspiring and heroic quest to bring greater security and stability to the people of Helmand province.”

Defence Secretary Dr Liam Fox said: "The level of sacrifice has been high and we should never forget the many brave troops who have lost their lives in the pursuit of success in an international mission rooted firmly in our own national security in the UK.”