A Shropshire Army commander battling the Taliban on the frontline in Afghanistan today told of the terrifying attacks and constant threat his men faced.

Click on the podcast icon on the left to hear him talk about his childhood growing up in Shrewsbury, his subsequent military career and the threats and challenges he now faces on a daily basis in Afghanistan.

Major George Maund, of Shrewsbury, spoke out as the Taliban claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing this morning that woun- ded at least six people near Camp Phoenix, a logistics support base for US forces just outside Kabul.

The attack came as Gordon Brown said he believed he could secure 5,000 extra troops for the military operation in Afghanistan from Nato and other allies.

Major Maund has been on the frontline for almost three months commanding Blenheim Company of The 2nd Battalion The Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, which is guarding a bridge and command post so that soldiers and locals can move around safely.

Speaking to the Shropshire Star he said: “What surprised me was how quickly things can change.

“You can be sitting with a village elder very peacefully drinking tea and suddenly, 200 metres away, some of your company will be involved in a very heavy fire fight.

“Only two weeks ago, two Mastiff armoured vehicles were struck within half an hour of each other. We have come under direct insurgent activity, made small arms contact and had rounds coming from rifles. The enemy is very clever, smart and very capable. The threat is always there.”

The former Shrewsbury School pupil hopes to be back in Shropshire next month where he will be reunited with his wife and daughters, aged six and eight.